Milan proved too strong for Samp, winning 3-0, to move six points clear of Napoli, who play Udinese tomorrow, and eight ahead of Inter, whose five-year ownership of the Scudetto crown is likely to come to an end.

Clarence Seedorf put the Rossoneri in front after 20 minutes and Antonio Cassano, against his former club, doubled their lead from the penalty spot 10 minutes into the second half.

Robinho wrapped up the win for the home side six minutes later.

Inter's hopes of winning a trophy this season may well depend on their Coppa Italia semi-final with Roma after their 2-0 defeat at Parma.

Goals from Sebastian Giovinco in the first half and Amauri after the break completed a miserable few days for Leonardo's men following their Champions League exit at the hands of Schalke.

Abel Hernandez struck twice in the last six minutes as Palermo ruined a big day for Roma with a 3-2 win in the capital.

The kick-off at the Stadio Olimpico came just 16 hours after Thomas DiBenedetto led an American consortium in buying a majority holding in the Giallorossi - the first time in Serie A history that a major club had fallen into foreign hands.

And the hosts started well on the pitch with captain Francesco Totti putting them in front in the 20th minute from the penalty spot.

Mauricio Pinilla levelled with a penalty before half-time and, after the Romans missed a hatful of chances in the second half, Hernandez made them pay with two goals.

Substitute Mirko Vucinic reduced the arrears with seconds remaining but Roma endured a setback that has further damaged their chances of a top-four finish.

Roma are now in sixth place, four points behind city rivals Lazio, who are fourth and hold the last Champions League qualifying spot. Lazio visit Catania tomorrow.