Inter fall prey to Lazio's instinctive Klose

FC Internazionale Milano remain four points adrift of Serie A pacesetters Juventus after a 1-0 defeat at S.S. Lazio.

Miroslav Klose's instinctive, bottom-corner finish from the edge of the penalty area with eight minutes remaining secured victory for the Biancocelesti, who had the woodwork to thank for still being in the match by that point.

Fredy Guarín's low drive hit the base of the upright before Antonio Cassano's curling shot was tipped onto the same post by the full-stretch Federico Marchetti. The Italian international then showed terrific reflexes to get up and beat away Yuto Nagatomo's follow-up effort.

Lazio seized their chance, however, and only goal difference keeps them behind third-placed SSC Napoli – a point shy of Inter. Juventus can move seven points clear by beating Atalanta BC on Sunday, when the Partenopei host Bologna FC.

Elsewhere, Antonio Di Natale saved Udinese Calcio from a home defeat by US Città di Palermo. Josip Iličić opened the scoring, and the Friulani's situation worsened when Thomas Heurtaux was sent off after receiving two yellow cards. Di Natale equalised late on with his tenth goal of the season, taking him into double figures for the seventh successive campaign.