Australia's number one made a number of saves but was beaten after two set pieces and one powerful long-range strike in the round of 16 Europa League clash.

The 37-year-old was forced into action early, tipping over an effort from Juve striker David Trezeguet.

But the Italian giant hit the lead from the resulting corner as central defender Nicola Legrottaglie scored a powerful header after poor marking from Brede Hangeland.

The lead was doubled on 25 minutes as Jonathan Zebina won a loose ball and stunned Schwarzer with a spectacular strike.

The right back easily beat Simon Davies before hitting a superb shot past Schwarzer from 20 yards.

Fulham brought the tie back within reach with a fortuitous goal 10 minutes before the break.

Davies swung in a cross that fell to Dickson Etuhu whose shot took a deflection and ended up in the back of the net.

The Cottagers could have been level but were unable to make the most of a couple of half chances.

Zoltan Gera was unable to get the ball past Juve keeper Alex Manninger before the Austrian was forced into saves from Gera and Bobby Zamora before the break.

But against the run of play, Juventus' class showed again.

Schwarzer was forced into another save, this time from Fabio Grosso, resulting in a corner.

Trezeguet met the corner with his right foot, only to see it bounce off the post.

He met it again and slotted it into the opposite corner to give the home team their third goal on the interval.

The game began to slow after a pulsating first half and a couple of Fulham crosses were scrambled away by the home defence early in the second half.

Brazilian Diego made a long-range attempt at Schwarzer's goal, only for it to be safely turned away by the Australian.

The second leg will be played at Craven Cottage next Thursday.