Genoa thump Udinese to boost Euro hopes

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ROME, Feb 20, 2010 (AFP) - Robert Acquafresca scored a brace as Genoa boosted their Champions League hopes with a comprehensive 3-0 rout of lowly 10-man Udinese on Saturday.

Rodrigo Palacio added the third after Christian Zapata had been dismissed early into the second period for a second booking.

The victory moves Genoa to within one point of fourth spot and right in the heart of a group of five teams battling it out for the final Champions League qualification place who are separated by just two points.

Udinese, meanwhile, remain just a point above the relegation zone ahead of Sunday's full programme of matches.

Acquafresca opened the scoring on the half hour mark, mopping up the loose ball after Udinese goalkeeper Samir Handanovic failed to hold onto Giuseppe Sculli's shot.

The striker doubled his and Genoa's account eight minutes into the second half, picking himself up after he was fouled by Andrea Coda in the area to stroke home the spot kick.

Zapata was then dismissed for his second yellow card and Palacio rounded off the scoring as he headed home Sculli's cross from close range.

In Saturday's late game leaders Inter Milan host fifth-placed Sampdoria hoping to move 11 points clear of second-placed AS Roma.