Inter draw rare blank at Napoli

FC Internazionale Milano were held to a draw for the second time in five days in Serie A after failing to find a way past SSC Napoli, but it was a result which nonetheless extended their lead at the top to seven points.

Having drawn 1-1 draw at Parma FC in midweek, the Nerazzurri had their advantage trimmed by in-form AS Roma on Saturday, and they were perhaps fortunate to come away from the Stadio San Paolo with anything at all as the fourth-placed hosts struck the woodwork twice. José Mourinho's team also came close to scoring, with Sulley Muntari directing an effort against the crossbar, but ultimately they failed to register for the first time in the league since 26 September.

Prior to that match, two goals from Alessandro Del Piero helped Juventus claim their first win under new coach Alberto Zaccheroni, defeating Genoa CFC 3-2. It was also a good day for incoming S.S. Lazio trainer Edoardo Reja, whose team climbed out of the bottom three via a 2-0 success at Parma. In their first outing since parting company with Davide Ballardini in midweek, Guglielmo Stendardo and Mauro Zárate hauled the Biancocelesti up to 15th with second-half goals. Bottom-placed AC Siena enjoyed a rare victory as well, triumphing 1-0 at AC Chievo Verona for their first win in eight.

They lie eight points from safety, however, after fourth-bottom Calcio Catania drew 0-0 with Atalanta BC, who lost Gianpaolo Bellini to a 74th-minute red card. In 18th, AS Livorno Calcio succumbed 1-0 at home to Bologna FC, while Cagliari Calcio beat AS Bari 3-1.