Inter Milan inch ahead of chasers AC Milan and Juventus (Roundup)

By Alberto Cagliano Dec 13, 2009, 22:00 GMT

Rome - Inter Milan had a man sent off Sunday in a 1-1 draw at lowly Atalanta, but still managed to stretch their lead at the top of the table over AC Milan and Juventus.

Milan lag five points adrift of their city rivals after guests Palermo stunned them 2-0, while Juve lie a further point behind as promoted Bari crushed them 3-1 late Saturday.

A classy goal from Atalanta striker Simone Tiribocchi with 10 minutes left levelled the opener from Argentine Diego Milito, whose 15th-minute goal was followed by Wesley Sneijder's free kick against the bar.

The Dutchman, however, was dismissed with a second booking on 64 minutes, allowing the Bergamo hosts to increase their pressure until Tiribocchi controlled with elegance a long feed and cut off Lucio to fire past Julio Cesar.

The day was far worse for Milan fans, who after five straight wins saw their heroes crash at home against the fast and solid Sicily guests Palermo.

A post-grazing drive from striker Marco Borriello followed a couple of attempts from Clarence Seedorf, but Palermo threatened already in the first half with Australian Mark Bresciano, Uruguayan Edison Cavani and Fabrizio Miccoli.

After the diminutive Miccoli on 49 minutes put Palermo ahead with a drive to the left of Brazilian Dida, Milan coach Leonardo switched to a three-pronged attack bringing on young Brazilian ace Pato.

The move favoured the guests' counter attacks, which were rewarded on 62 minutes when Bresciano flicked home to finalize an action triggered by Miccoli.

The incredible season of newcomers Parma continued with a 2-1 win at 10-man Bologna in a regional derby.

Goals from veterans Christian Panucci and Nicola Amoruso, who earlier squandered a spot kick, helped Parma reverse Gaby Mudingayi's opener to retain fourth place two points behind Juve.

Genoa had Salvatore Bocchetti dismissed in a 1-0 defeat at Lazio, who ended a winless run dating to late August, Fiorentina lost 2-1 at Chievo, Siena beat Udinese 2-1 and left Catania alone at the bottom as the Sicilians lost 1-0 to visitors Livorno.

Sampdoria and Roma late Sunday wrapped up the 16th round of the Serie A drawing 0-0 to move to joint-fifth position one point above a pack of five sides, including Napoli, who Saturday drew 3-3 at Cagliari.