Atalanta stunned their hosts when they took the lead after less than five minutes but, just as they had done midweek against Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final, Inter hit back.

After a dire opening 15 minutes, Inter began to get back into the game and top scorer Diego Milito levelled before McDonald Mariga gave them the lead with his first Nerazzurri goal 10 minutes from the break.

Cristian Chivu also scored his first goal for the club to wrap up the points for Inter in the 78th minute and send them back to the head of the standings - two points clear of Roma, who host Sampdoria tomorrow.

Atalanta remain two points behind Bologna, who entertain Parma tomorrow.

Elsewhere in Italy tonight, Palermo boosted their chances of Champions League football next season with a 3-1 victory over AC Milan at the Stadio Renzo Barbera.

Cesare Bovo and Abel Hernandez were both on target in the opening 18 minutes as the hosts got off to a flyer.

Clarence Seedorf grabbed a goal back for the Rossoneri 10 minutes into the second half but Fabrizio Miccoli wrapped up the points with a stunning strike in the 68th minute.

Palermo moved into fourth, a point above Samp, with Milan six points better off in third spot.