Totti returns with hat-trick for Roma (1st Lead)

By Alberto Cagliano Nov 22, 2009, 15:55 GMT

Rome - Roma captain Francesco Totti Sunday scored a hat-trick in a 3-1 drubbing of promoted Bari as he rejoined the Serie A fray after an injury lay-off.

Those hoping that Totti reconsiders his farewell to the Italian national team found more reasons to press him after watching a game that the Rome talent settled in the first half hour.

Back after a seven-week injury lay-off, the 33-year-old world champion showed to have not lost the scoring habits he last displayed in early October when he notched a brace against Napoli.

Despite his long absence and the problems to achieve and maintain his best form, Totti is now level with Udinese's Antonio Di Natale as the league's best scorer on nine goals.

A spot kick and two impressive drives at Rome's Stadio Olimpico sank the hopes of the in-form newcomers Bari, who, however, forced some tough saves from Roma's Brazilian goalkeeper Julio Sergio and pulled one back through Andrea Ranocchia in the second half.

AC Milan beat visiting Cagliari 4-3 in a spectacular game and leapfrogged Juventus into second place that the Turin side can regain later Sunday if they beat Udinese.

Champions Inter Milan lead seven points clear of Milan after a 3-1 win secured at Bologna Saturday, when promoted Parma upset hosting Fiorentina 3-2.

At the Giuseppe Meazza, Dutch veteran Clarence Seedorf put Milan ahead in a pulsating game that saw the gritty Sardinia guests reverse the score by the 30th minute with efforts from Alessandro Matri, who started his football in Milan's youth team, and Andrea Lazzari.

Milan often suffered in defence, but managed to bounce back in a matter of two minutes when Marco Borriello flicked home after a header from Brazilian Pato, who found the net with a great under-the-bar drive on 40 minutes.

A spot kick converted by Brazilian Ronaldinho on 62 minutes seemed to have secured Milan's win, but substitute Nene kept the Devils' fans under strain scoring with 20 minutes to go.

Sampdoria moved level with Juve through a 2-1 won against 10-man Chievo, who played the second half without the red-carded Brazilian Luciano.

Lowly Livorno clinched a last-gasp 2-1 win over Genoa, but remain third from last equal on points with Atalanta, Bologna and Lazio, who drew 0-0 at Napoli.

Palermo and Catania drew 1-1 in a Sicily derby, while Atalanta won 2-0 at bottom-side Siena.