Roma's Mohamed Salah, second from left, is congratulated by his teammates after scoring a goal during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Pescara and Roma at the Giovanni Cornacchia stadium in Pescara, Italy, Monday, April 24, 2017. (Claudio Lattanzio/ANSA via AP)
The Associated Press
PESCARA, Italy (AP) - Roma boosted its bid for second place in Serie A and automatic entry into the Champions League with a 4-1 win at Pescara, which was mathematically relegated on Monday.
Roma moved four points clear of third-placed Napoli, which drew against Sassuolo 2-2 on Sunday. Third place in Serie A receives a Champions League playoff.
Pescara remained 15 points behind Empoli. There are only five matches left and Empoli has the better head-to-head record, which is the deciding factor if two teams finish level on points.
There were 48 goals in total in the 33rd round, matching the record set in October 1992.
Roma took control shortly before halftime, with Kevin Strootman breaking the deadlock after Stephan El Shaarawy unselfishly rolled the ball across the area.
Radja Nainggolan, who earlier hit the bar, doubled Roma's lead two minutes later.
Mohamed Salah extended Roma's advantage three minutes after the break and the winger doubled his tally on the hour following a swift counterattack.
Ahmad Benali got a consolation for Pescara and a Cristiano Biraghi free kick also hit the post for the home side.
Roma's Mohamed Salah is congratulated with his teammate Radja Nainggolan after scoring during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Pescara and Roma at the Giovanni Cornacchia stadium in Pescara, Italy, Monday, April 24, 2017. (Claudio Lattanzio/ANSA via AP)
The Associated Press
Pescara's Andrea Coda and Roma's Mohamed Salah, left, vie for the ball during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Pescara and Roma at the Giovanni Cornacchia stadium in Pescara, Italy, Monday, April 24, 2017. (Claudio Lattanzio/ANSA via AP)
The Associated Press
Roma's Kevin Strootman scores a goal during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Pescara and Roma at the Giovanni Cornacchia stadium in Pescara, Italy, Monday, April 24, 2017. (Claudio Lattanzio/ANSA via AP)
The Associated Press
Pescara's Gianluca Caperai and Roma's Antonio Rédiger, right, vie for the ball during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Pescara and Roma at the Giovanni Cornacchia stadium in Pescara, Italy, Monday, April 24, 2017. (Claudio Lattanzio/ANSA via AP)
The Associated Press