Inter close in on Scudetto

FC Internazionale Milano are just three wins away from claiming the Serie A title following victory against Parma FC while Empoli FC moved within three points of a top-four spot with a comfortable win over Ascoli Calcio 1898.

Inter close in
Unbeaten Inter can clinch the Scudetto on 15 April when they play host to US Città di Palermo, needing just eight more points following a 2-0 home win against relegation-threatened Parma. Maxwell gave Roberto Mancini's side the lead on 56 minutes before Hernán Crespo sealed the points 20 minutes from time. The victory put them 20 points clear of AS Roma, who were held to a 1-1 draw on Saturday by AC Milan.

Empoli eye Europe
The race for the fourth UEFA Champions League qualifying spot became closer after Empoli beat bottom side Ascoli 4-1 thanks to two goals apiece by Nicola Pozzi and Luca Saudati. Having moved above AC Milan into fifth, Luigi Cagni's side are just one win adrift of Palermo, who were held 0-0 at Torino FC. They are a further four points behind S.S. Lazio, who were convincing 4-2 winners at Udinese Calcio.

Lucarelli hat-trick
Elsewhere, FC Messina Peloro remain in the relegation places alongside Parma and Ascoli after a 2-0 defeat at Cagliari Calcio. Cristiano Lucarelli scored a hat-trick in AS Livorno Calcio's 4-1 win over Calcio Catania, while Atalanta BC and ACF Fiorentina shared the points in a 2-2 draw and AC Chievo Verona drew 1-1 with UC Sampdoria.