Inter power to eight-point lead

Inter Milan moved eight points clear at the top of Serie A with a 3-1 win at Bologna.

Diego Milito put the Nerazzurri ahead in the 22nd minute but Marcelo Zalayeta equalised within a minute.

Mario Balotelli restored Inter's advantage three minutes before half-time and Esteban Cambiasso sealed the win in the 72nd minute to enable Inter to prepare for Tuesday's Champions League match with Barcelona having established a comfortable lead at the top of Serie A.

Inter defender Maicon spoilt his side's evening when he received a red card in stoppage-time for insulting one of the referee's assistants.

In Saturday night's other match in the Italian top flight, Parma moved up to third with an unexpected 3-2 win at Fiorentina.

Alberto Gilardino put the home side ahead in the 25th minute but goals from Nicola Amoruso and Valeri Bojinov turned the game around.

Gilardino's second goal with just over an hour gone brought Fiorentina level again and they appeared to be in the ascendancy until Davide Lanzafame struck the winner on the break for Parma in the 67th minute.

To make matters worse for Fiorentina, they lost Marco Donadel to a second yellow card as time ran out.