Veteran striker Alessandro Del Piero inspired Juventus to a crucial 2-0 victory over Roma to clinch four successive wins.

The Italy striker scored a stunning free-kick in the 38th minute before providing the second goal for Marco Marchionni three minutes into the second half.

That was enough to make it four wins in a row for Claudio Ranieri's side, leaving Roma reeling on the back of five successive defeats and their coach Luciano Spalletti fearing for his job.

Del Piero was back in the Juve side after being rested for the midweek win over Bologna.

Roma arrived in Turin without their captain Francesco Totti, whose knee is still causing him problems, but Julio Baptista was back from injury.

And for about 20 minutes, it looked like the former Real Madrid striker was going to claim all the headlines at the Stadio Olimpico.

After a good spell of Roma pressure, the Brazilian striker's shot took a minor deflection off Giorgio Chiellini onto the post with the ball going behind for a corner.

From the set-piece, Baptista headed unchallenged over the crossbar from eight yards out.

The home side reacted and soon had control of the game.

The Del Piero show commenced in the 33rd minute when his first free-kick of the match should have been converted by Chiellini, whose free header in front of goal was pushed away with a quick reaction save by Roma goalkeeper Doni.

His second free-kick did not make it beyond the wall, but he was just finding his range for the next chance.

And it was third time lucky. The Italy international has made a name for himself with his set-piece wizardry and this will rank among his best, surpassing the one he scored earlier this season against Zenit St Petersburg.

This one was even further from goal - at least 25 yards - but he combined power with direction to leave Doni no chance as the ball entered the top left-hand corner of the goal.

It was a strike which would be hard to better, but he almost did so two minutes later.

Cristian Molinaro sent the ball in low from the left wing and Del Piero flashed his instinctive shot into the side-netting from 15 yards before Doni could even react.

Juve's dominance continued into the second half with Amauri trying a spectacular overhead kick from Marchionni's cross which Doni had to be alert to push away.

Del Piero created the Bianconeri's second goal in the 48th minute, playing the ball into the path of Marchionni, who did the rest.

His first touch took the ball past John Arne Riise and his second lifted it past Doni into the back of the net.

Del Piero then provided the next chance for Amauri, whose low shot was saved by Doni in the 68th minute.

It was arguably Juve's most impressive performance of the season and sets them up well for Wednesday's Champions League tie at Real Madrid.

Roma face Chelsea in Europe on Tuesday but there is a chance Spalletti may not be sat on their bench.