Rome  - Strugglers Reggina improved an uncomfortable position at the bottom of the Italian Serie A Saturday through a 2-1 win at Bologna that fuelled their hopes of avoiding relegation with four games left.

Goals from Franco Brienza and Paraguay's midfielder Edgar Barreto gave the Reggio Calabria side a crucial win over Bologna, who are in the three-team drop zone two points above Lecce and Reggina.

In the past two games, Bologna won 1-0 at Atalanta and held giants Juventus to a 2-2 draw in Turin.

Lecce play away to third-place Juventus Sunday, when Torino, with only one more point than Bologna, visit Fiorentina.

Bologna closed a brisk but fruitless first-half one goal down as Brienza on 40 minutes successfully fired home his side's first shot stunning Roberto Colombo with a volley by the far post.

Earlier efforts from league top striker Marco Di Vaio and Brazilian veteran Adailton caused minor troubles to Reggina's goalkeeper Christian Puggioni, who made a great save when Nicola Mingazzini triggered the hosts' reaction after Brienza's goal.

Paraguay's Barreto worsened Bologna's worries a few seconds after the break with a great long-range drive that touched the bar as it dropped past Colombo.

Argentine Pablo Osvaldo came on for Bologna and missed from close range before nodding against the bar on 61 minutes.

A cross from the right came off Reggina's bar five minutes later, while Brienza also shook the woodwork and missed an incredible chance when a defensive blunder brought him face to face with Colombo.

A relentless pressing only yielded Bologna a consolation goal from Greek Vangelis Moras with three minutes left.

Title holders Inter Milan play later Saturday at home against mid-table side Lazio. Inter are looking to retain their seven-point lead over city rivals AC Milan, who visit Sicily side Catania on Sunday.  (dpa)