ROME -- Defending champion Juventus picked up where it left off, defeating Empoli 5-1 Sunday on two goals each by Alessandro Del Piero and David Trezeguet in the first full day of play in the Italian league season.
"We're the champions and we feel the team can still win, not that we're the team to beat," Juventus coach Marcello Lippi said.
Three other title contenders also won: Inter Milan struggled past Modena 2-0 on late goals by Christian Vieri and Marco Materazzi; Lazio downed newly promoted Lecce 4-1 in Rome; and AS Roma edged Udinese 2-1 on Vincenzo Montella's 69th-minute goal.
Elsewhere, tied Chievo 1-1 and Perugia tied newly promoted Siena 2-2.
On Saturday, Reggina and Sampdoria tied 2-2 in the season's first game. On Monday night, Ancona hosts Milan, which received an extra day's rest after winning the European Supercup on Friday.
Copyright 2003 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
= Sporting News Radio Pass