Alvaro Morata ended his scoring drought in style as Juventus took firm control of their Coppa Italia semi-final with Inter last night.

Morata had failed to score in 20 games, a run stretching back to October 4 when he netted in a 3-1 Serie A victory over Bologna.

But the Spain striker scored twice and substitute Pablo Dybala added another as Juventus secured a healthy 3-0 advantage to defend in the second leg in Milan on March 3.

Inter’s plight worsened when Jeison Murillo was sent off 20 minutes from time for a second bookable offence.

Cup holders Juventus came into the contest as strong favourites having won their last 11 Serie A matches to draw within two points of leaders Napoli, but Felipe Melo’s shot caused them some early concern.

Juventus gradually got on top, however, and strong claims for a penalty when Inter midfielder Gary Medel handled were waved away.

The deadlock was broken on 36 minutes after Murillo had brought down Juan Cuadrado.

Morata sent Inter goalkeeper Samir Handanovic the wrong way with a thumping finish and his relief was tangible.

Inter had plenty of possession at the start of the second period but created little and fell further behind when Patrice Evra’s cross unwittingly struck the legs of Melo and Morata sent another flashing drive past Handanovic.

Murillo forced a save from Neto but the defender was soon trudging off the pitch after once more unceremoniously stopping Cua-drado in full flow.

Morata should have completed his hat-trick following a brilliant ball into his path from Paul Pogba but this time he could not keep his shot down.

But the tie was surely put be-yond Inter seven minutes from time when Kwadwo Asamoah set up Dybala and he drove through the legs of the luckless Handa-novic from 20 metres out.