Inter return to winning ways

Serie A leaders FC Internazionale Milano recovered from a relative slump in form on the domestic front to win 3-2 at Udinese Calcio and stay four points clear of AC Milan, who downed Atalanta BC 3-1.

José Mourinho's side had drawn their last three league outings before their trip to the Stadio Friuli, but roused by their midweek UEFA Champions League victory over Chelsea FC they put their title defence back on track despite falling behind to Simone Pepe's second-minute effort.

The response from the visitors came three minutes later, Maicon crossing for Mario Balotelli to control and volley in, and the provider put the Nerazzurri ahead with an emphatic finish midway through the half. Diego Milito then gave them breathing space with a header on the stroke of half-time, and they needed it as Serie A leading scorer Antonio Di Natale reduced the deficit from the penalty spot shortly after the break, following a handball.

Inter's city rivals remain well-placed, though, after two first-half efforts from Pato – who was later forced off with a thigh injury – set them on the road to victory at San Siro. Jaime Valdés revived Atalanta's hopes on 56 minutes, but Marco Borriello sealed the result five minutes later.

That took Milan three points clear of AS Roma, whose seven-game winning streak in Serie A was ended by a 2-2 draw at fifth-placed SSC Napoli. The capital side were given a healthy platform by a Júlio Baptista penalty (59) and a Mirko Vučinić effort (65), only to be pegged back by Germán Denis (75) and Marek Hamšík's last-gasp spot kick. Juventus failed to capitalise, though, being replaced in fourth by US Città di Palermo after a 2-0 reverse against Delio Rossi's charges.

Elsewhere, basement side AC Siena moved within six points of safety by triumphing 2-1 at third-bottom AS Livorno Calcio, while Parma FC defeated UC Sampdoria 1-0, AC Chievo Verona beat Cagliari Calcio 2-1 and Adaílton struck a hat-trick as Bologna FC won 4-3 at Genoa CFC.