Inter Milan restored their nine-point advantage over Roma at the top of Serie A thanks to an unconvincing win over Reggina on Saturday evening.A penalty from Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the 14th minute and a Nicolas Burdisso header 20 minutes later earned Roberto Mancini's side a 2-0 win, although they were outplayed for much of the game by their struggling opponents.

Inter goalkeeper Julio Cesar was the man of the match as he kept Reggina at bay with some fine saves.

Palermo's hopes for a UEFA Cup place took a blow after they were held to a 1-1 draw at home to rivals Udinese.

Needing a win to close the four-point gap behind them and the sixth-placed Bianconeri, Palermo took the lead through Fabio Simplico's 32nd-minute strike but Felipe levelled for Udinese midway through the second half.

A combination of Palermo's profligacy and the inspired form of Udinese goalkeeper Samir Handanovic prevented the hosts grabbing a winner.

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