Inter stretch lead to eight

Posted Monday, December 21, 2009 by PA

Inter Milan moved eight points clear at the top of Serie A with a 1-0 win over Lazio on Sunday night. Samuel Eto'o grabbed the only goal of the game after 14 minutes as Jose Mourinho's side took full advantage of city rivals AC Milan having their game postponed on Saturday due to bad weather.

Juventus remain third despite a 2-1 home defeat to Catania which had President Jean-Claude Blanc insisting coach Ciro Ferrara has the full backing of the club. Blanc told the club's official website: "The winter break comes at the right time and will help us reflect. Our project does not change in the space of three days and we have confidence in Ferrara."

The Sicilians picked up their first win over Juventus in more than 45 years thanks to a penalty from Jorge Martinez midway through the first half and a winner from Mariano Izco three minutes from time. Hasan Salihamidzic had equalised for Juve in the 66th minute.

Napoli's impressive run of results continued as they ended the year in sixth place thanks to a comfortable 2-0 victory over in-form Chievo. The Partenopei got off to the perfect start when Marek Hamsik fired them into an early lead from the spot after German Denis had been fouled by Chievo goalkeeper Stefano Sorrentino. And Fabio Quagliarella secured all the points three minutes from time.

Livorno slowed Sampdoria's charge for European football and picked up three vital points for themselves as they came from behind to win at the Armando Picchi Stadium. Antonio Cassano had put Sampdoria ahead after 15 minutes, but Nelson Rivas equalised six minutes before the break and Tomas Danilevicius had Livorno ahead early in the second half. Samp piled forward in a desperate bid to equalise but Danilevicius sealed victory with an injury-time strike.

Roma enhanced their prospects of a UEFA Champions League place with a 2-0 victory over top-four rivals Parma. Nicolas Burdisso scored early in the second half before Matteo Brighi added a second late on to lift the Giallorossi above Parma on goal difference.

Palermo maintained their impressive form under new coach Delio Rossi with a narrow win over Siena. With Catania winning at Juventus, Siena are bottom of the table after Edison Cavani scored the only goal five minutes before half-time.