Winter signing Goran Pandev gave them the perfect start after five minutes' play with Argentinian duo Walter Samuel (20) and Diego Milito (47) wrapping the game up for Jose Mourinho's men.

AC Milan fell 10 points behind their city rivals after another uninspiring display in a goalless draw at Bologna.

At the other end of the table Catania claimed a crucial 1-0 win over fellow strugglers Lazio to move themselves out of the relegation zone.New signing Maxi Lopez grabbed the only goal of the game at the Stadio Olimpico to heap yet more pressure on Lazio coach Davide Ballardini.

The result is only the second away win of the season for Sinisa Mihajlovic's side but it gives them a huge boost in their bid to retain their top-flight status.

Antonio di Natale scored twice in injury-time to complete a hat-trick as Udinese ended the recent good form of Napoli.

Di Natale punished his hometown club, who had goalscorer Christian Maggio sent off just before half-time, to give the Bianconeri a first win in eight Serie A contests.

Sampdoria made the most of defensive mistakes by rock bottom Siena to strengthen their claims for a place in European competition next season.

The visitors had cemented their place on the fringes of European qualification with successive wins and they made it three in a row despite a late comeback from the home side.

Goals from Daniele Gastaldello and Nicola Pozzi sealed the win for Samp with Massimo Maccarone getting Siena's goal.

Genoa remained in contention for a place in Europe next season thanks to a narrow win over Chievo.

Captain Marco Rossi earned his side all three points with a 63rd-minute strike which takes the Rossoblu above Juventus in the table.

Simone Tiribocchi came off the bench to score a late winner for Atalanta as they gave their survival hopes a timely boost against Bari.

Back-to-back defeats had seen Atalanta drop into the relegation zone ahead of the contest, but Tiribocchi's strike eight minutes from time was enough to earn them the points at the Stadio Azzurri D'Italia.