Inter Milan defeated bitter local rivals AC Milan 2-1 in a thrilling derby at the San Siro to close in on a fourth straight Italian football title.
First half goals from Adriano and Dejan Stankovic fired Inter to a nine-point lead over Juventus at the top of Serie A with Milan a further two points back as their Scudetto hopes all but died.
Juventus saw their title hopes dealt yet another blow as they were held to a 1-1 home draw by Sampdoria.
Fiorentina held on to fourth spot and the final Champions League qualifying position as they came back from 3-nil down at Genoa to snatch a 3-all draw.
