Nov 21, 2009, 18:14 GMT
Rome - Inter Milan defeated Bologna 3-1 Saturday to move the reigning Serie A champions eight points clear of Juventus.
Argentine Diego Milito put Inter ahead to become the league's second-top scorer on eight goals and also provided an assist for compatriot Esteban Cambiasso after Mario Balotelli's second goal.
Inter were in great form after a two-week break because of international games and now lead on 32 points from 12 games, while Bologna remain rooted three points above the three-team relegation zone.
A high drive from Douglas Maicon and Thiago Motta's central header brought Inter close to a lead they took on 22 minutes as Milito flicked home from close range after his Motta and Lucio had the ease to deflect a corner kick.
A far more spectacular goal from Marcelo Zalayeta one minute later brought the hosts level with the champions.
The Uruguayan striker hooked a long feed from Adailton and left three Inter defenders no chance to intervene before firing a great shot under the bar by the far post.
As Inter resumed their attacks, goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano on 29 minutes made a good save blocking a break from the storming Balotelli off a precise feed from Motta.
It took some luck for Viviano when Dejan Stankovic's drive bounced off both posts, but the goalkeeper stood no chance on a header from Balotelli, who on 41 minutes was unmarked as the hosts' defence lost their pattern on a corner kick.
The young Balotelli gave room to Cameroonian Samuel Eto'o after the break as Inter retained their two-pronged attack and came close to securing their win through a smashing shot by Milito.
Viviano again displayed his good form on 64 minutes, blocking a Stankovic drive, but was beaten on 72 by Cambiasso's volley off Milito's sweet feed.
The dismissal of Brazilian defender Maicon for insulting a linesman in the dying seconds marred the win for Inter, who won't be able rely on the international in next week's home game to Fiorentina.
The fourth-place Florence side tackle in-form newcomers Parma late Saturday, while second-placed Juventus get close to Inter when they welcome Udinese late Sunday after third-place AC Milan host Cagliari.
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