The result, coupled with city rivals AC Milan's defeat at Parma, hands a major boost to Jose Mourinho's side's bid to retain their title.

Their goals came courtesy of a double from Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o and a further strike from Brazil defender Maicon as Serse Cosmi's side were ruthlessly brushed aside.

AC Milan's hopes took a blow as Valeri Bojinov's injury-time winner condemned them to a 1-0 defeat at Parma.

Milan, who had clawed their way back into the Scudetto picture and were just a point off leaders Inter heading into tonight's round, are now four behind.

Leonardo's side dominated the play throughout but failed to produce many clear chances before Bojinov came off the bench to tap in a dramatic winner for the home team.

Roma struck twice in the second half to beat Bologna and stay in the title race.

John Arne Riise broke the deadlock in the 48th minute before substitute Julio Baptista put the game beyond Bologna's reach with eight minutes remaining.

The outcome lifted Roma level on 59 points with second-placed AC Milan.

Fiorentina's bid to claim a European place next season stalled following an away defeat at Catania.

Giuseppe Mascara scored the only goal of the game after two minutes to ease the hosts' relegation fears as they moved seven points clear of danger.

Bari recovered from a goal down to beat Sampdoria 2-1 and dent the visitors' chances of claiming the final Champions League qualifying place.

Antonio Cassano put Samp in front after 19 minutes but Riccardo Meggiorini equalised for Bari just before the hour mark and Paulo Vito Barreto snatched all three points for the home side four minutes from time.

A dramatic last-ditch penalty earned Genoa a share of the spoils with a 2-2 draw against Palermo at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris.

Abel Hernandez put Palermo in front in the 34th minute, but Salvatore Bocchetti equalised for the home side with 15 minutes remaining.

A goal from Javier Pastore three minutes later seemed to have earned Palermo all three points but Houssine Kharja levelled with the last kick of the game from the penalty spot deep into stoppage time after the visitors had been reduced to 10 men with Simon Kjaer sent off.

Two second-half goals by Jaime Valdes and a strike by Simone Tiribocchi saw Atalanta earn a vital 3-1 victory over a Cagliari side that played for more than 70 minutes with 10 men after Daniele Dessena was sent off.

Although Daniele Conti scored an injury-time consolation, it was a miserable evening for Cagliari who also missed a penalty and squandered a chance to move into the top eight.

Lazio eased their relegation worries with a comfortable 2-0 triumph over Siena at the Stadio Olimpico.

Stephan Lichtsteiner opened the scoring just six minutes into the game and Lazio substitute Julio Cruz doubled the advantage in the 72nd minute as the Biancoceleste clinched their second consecutive victory.

Udinese had to settle for a point in their battle for survival after being held to a goalless draw at home to Chievo. The home side are now just one place and four points above the drop zone.