Italy round-up: Udinese deny Inter

No way back for Inter
Juventus's 2-1 defeat at AC Milan on Saturday had given Inter their opportunity, but seventh-placed Udinese had other ideas, and with Vincenzo Iaquinta having already hit the post, Marek Jankulovski put the home team ahead on 48 minutes. Iaquinta doubled the lead ten minutes later, and although Ivan Cordoba pulled one back near the end, Inter could not secure a point.

Dramatic triumph
Parma AC gave themselves every chance of pipping S.S. Lazio for the fourth UEFA Champions League place with a dramatic 2-1 win. Giuseppe Cardone gave Parma the lead on four minutes and the home team held the advantage until half-time.

Andriano strikes
However, Dejan Stankovic headed Lazio level in the 49th minute, and as the game entered added time it seemed Lazio would be consolidating fourth place with a point. But Brazilian forward Adriano then struck to give Parma a victory that takes them up to fifth, now just three points behind Lazio.

Atalanta humble Chievo
AC Chievo Verona could have ended Sunday a point behind Lazio but instead dropped to sixth as they were beaten 1-0 at struggling Atalanta BC. The home side had not won in five games - four of them draws - but Ousame Dabo's goal seven minutes into the second half took his side out of the bottom four, ahead of Reggina Calcio, beaten at Modena FC yesterday.

Roma back on track
AS Roma moved up to eighth place and retained hope of a UEFA Cup place with a 3-0 win against relegation-threatened Piacenza FC. Roma departed the UEFA Champions League with a draw at home to AFC Ajax on Wednesday, but first-half goals from Antonio Cassano, Marco Delvecchio and Francesco Totti ensured they bounced back with victory. Dario Hübner missed a Piacenza penalty with the score at 2-0, but Aldair then failed to score a Roma spot kick 18 minutes from time.

Five for Como
Como Calcio moved ahead of Piacenza into 16th by beating mid-table Bologna FC 5-1. An own goal from Bologna's Cristian Zaccardo was added to for Como by Nicola Amoruso's double and further efforts from Fabio Pecchia and Vedin Music, but the victorious side remain nine points adrift of safety.

Torino joy
Bottom-placed Torino Calcio completed a good day for lowly teams in Serie A as they overcame AC Perugia 2-1 - Marco Ferrante scoring both their goals - but Empoli FC are now only two points ahead of the relegation zone following a 0-0 draw with Brescia Calcio.