Rome, Dec. 4: Lazio beat Inter Milan 3-1 on Friday to hold the Italian champions far from the upper tiers and draw level with Serie A leaders AC Milan.
Milan can regain the lead and leave the city rivals 10 points behind when they host promoted Brescia for a regional derby.
At Rome’s Stadio Olimpico, defender Giuseppe Biava flicked home in the first half, Argentine Mauro Zarate added a second goal with a deft flick 12 minutes after the break, and Brazilian Hernanes secured the win with one minute left.
The Nerazzurri found a consolation goal from Macedonian Goran Pandev, playing upfront after Samuel Eto’o and Diego Milito were unavailable.
Lazio were more aggressive in midfield and took the lead after goalkeeper Luca Castellazzi deflected a header from Sergio Floccari and found assistance from Colombian Ramiro Cordoba in blocking captain Luciano Mauri’s flick on the rebound.
Biava nudged home the ball with his chest on 26 minutes after a clearance attempt from Argentine Esteban Cambiasso on a corner-kick action.