Adriano ensures Inter regain upper hand

FC Internazionale Milano restored their three-point lead over Juventus at the top of Serie A as Adriano's goal on the stroke of half-time proved enough to beat UC Sampdoria, while AC Milan impressed with a 4-1 win at Bologna FC.

Kaká double
The Bianconeri had laid a joint claim to top spot thanks to their 1-0 win against ACF Fiorentina on Saturday but the champions rose to the challenge and earned their own single-goal success when Brazilian striker Adriano hooked in a cross from compatriot Maicon. For their part, Milan had to come from behind after an early Marco Di Vaio penalty but were already ahead by the 17th minute thanks to a Clarence Seedorf effort and a Kaká spot-kick. Gaby Mudingayi was then sent off for the hosts and a second Kaká effort before the break put the game firmly in the visitors' grasp. David Beckham completed the scoring in the second half to keep the third-placed Rossoneri six points adrift in the title race.

Home setbacks
Other chasers did not fare so well, however, with the ten men of fourth-placed Genoa CFC held 1-1 at home by Calcio Catania and SSC Napoli beaten 3-0 in front of their own supporters by AS Roma. S.S. Lazio suffered too as a third-minute lead turned in a shock 4-1 reverse by visitors Cagliari Calcio – all four of the away side's goals coming in the first half. Elsewhere, US Città di Palermo edged Udinese Calcio 3-2, a single goal sufficed for AC Siena against Atalanta BC and relegation-threatened pair US Lecce and Torino FC drew 3-3.