体坛英语新闻：Juventus beat Atalanta to lead midway in Serie A

ROME, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- Juventus beat Atalanta 2-0 in Bergamo on Saturday to secure the top spot of Serie A at the midway stage of the season.

Stephan Lichtsteiner opened the scoring in the 55th minute, before Emanuele Giaccherini added the second eight minutes from the end.

With the win, Antonio Conti's side opened up a four-point advantage over AC Milan at the top of the table.

"Our first half of the campaign has been extraordinary," Conte said.

"We played at a very high level and tonight was the crowning moment. My lads have done remarkable things, but now we must continue giving 120 per cent, as that is the only way to keep hold of the top spot. We are out in front of teams that were favorites before the season began," he said.

Juventus hit the woodwork twice in a first half in which the ball just would not go in, despite their monumental efforts.

Francesco Totti scored twice in the opening eight minutes to set Roma on their way to an emphatic 5-1 home win over Cesena.

"This is the football that I think all coaches and players enjoy, plus it gives you a better chance of winning the games," said Roma coach Luis Enrique.

"Today the match seemed easy because we were almost perfect. I still believe Cesena are an excellent side with important qualities, but we played at the very highest level," he said.

The Romans were 3-0 up after nine minutes when Fabio Borini added his name to the scoresheet after Totti's brace.

Although Citadin Eder pulled one back for the visitors in the 58th minute, Juan soon added the Giallorossi's fourth.

Miralem Pjanic wrapped up a brilliant night for Roma at the Stadio Olimpico with a fifth goal 20 minutes from time.

It was the fourth consecutive league win for Roma, which lifted Luis Enrique's side up to the sixth place, and they have a game in hand after last weekend's match at Catania was suspended due to a waterlogged pitch.

Cesena, meanwhile, were only a shadow of the side that beat Novara 3-1 last Sunday and remained in the relegation zone.