Serie A: Luca Toni's brace helps Hellas Verona beat Catania 4-0

Luca Toni scored twice as Hellas Verona crushed relegation-threatened Catania 4-0 in Serie A on Sunday to boost their European chances.

Verona got off to the perfect start when Catania goalkeeper Alberto Frison palmed away Juan Iturbe's shot and Toni fired in the rebound in the sixth minute.

Toni doubled his tally in the 28th when he headed home to move level at the top of the league scoring table with his 20th goal of the season.

Marquinho extended Verona's lead on the stroke of halftime with a low drive following Juanito's pass.

Juanito saw a shot turned onto the post by Frison moments later, but the Argentinian did get onto the scoresheet in the 75th with a curled effort into the far corner.

Verona moved a point above Parma, who visit Cagliari later.