Inter Milan began this round, and picked up three points as they usually do in Genoa against the Grifoni. This time however, unlike last years 5-0 rout, there was a strong element of luck surrounding Inter's win. Sulley Muntari, coming on for the injured Estaban Cambiasso, struck from distance only for Genoa keeper Eduardo to flap at the strike and concede in the worst possible fashion. This burst Genoa's bubble, who up to that point had put Inter under significant pressure for much of the first half although Inter had had the best chance with Samuel Eto'o, for once, not hitting the back of the net when clear through. This was a great result for Inter given that Milan and Juve had to face off on Saturday night at San Siro. For many the smart money was on Milan, especially given the absence of Milos Krasic. But, Juve surprised the division by being the first club to win there this season on their travels, and putting a small dent in Milan's title challenge. A wonderful Quagliarella header gave Milan the lead in the first half, although Zlatan Ibrahimovic had come very close to giving Milan the lead in the early going, rattling the bar from all of 25 yards. The writing for Milan was on the wall however when Del Piero doubled the lead mid way through the second half, and although Zlatan did pull one back it was nothing but a mere consolation in the end.
Lazio continued their stunning start to the season, confirming their serious nature in this campaign by winning away in Palermo thanks to a world class Andre Dias strike after Ledesma delivered an inch perfect free kick. Palermo should however have been in front after 30 seconds but Pastore fluffed his lines when clear through on goal. Muslera saved then, and did so again and again in consummate fashion after Giuseppe Biava was sent off for a reckless challenge. Indeed, he was the star of the show as and certainly earned Lazio the extra two points on Sunday afternoon. For Lazio, they became only the second team to win in Palermo in recent years, with the Sicilian outfit unbeaten their for all of last season.
Elsewhere Roma continued their recovery at home against Lecce in a 2-0 win, with Vucinic on target. Udinese have recovered well also registering their fourth win away at Bari, who are now rock bottom. For Udinese however this was their fifth game without defeat and they now find themselves in 8th, compared to 20th just five rounds ago. Francesco Guidolin has more than rescued his job in the last five rounds, and now perhaps can give the Friuliani faithful a successful campaign as opposed to the flirt with relegation that occurred last season.
Napoli bounced back from defeat to Milan away at Brescia with a 1-0 win in dull and turgid conditions thanks to Lavezzi's second goal in two rounds, abley assisted about Marek Hamsik. It was a similar hard fought victory for Sampdoria who left it very late to take three points from Cesena. They had Giampaolo Pazzini to thank as Antonio Cassano was left out due to an internal problem at Sampdoria. One player returning to action this weekend was Adrian Mutu, yet he could not inspire Fiorentina to a win in Catania. Maresca came closest to scoring, his superb freekick left Frey stranded but could not beat the woodwork.
Finally, Parma continued to struggle at Palermo as Pasquale Marino's side continued to struggle to put the ball in the net, this time against Chievo. Cagliari however did not struggle to score as they put two past Bologna without reply. Amazingly this was only the second time Cagliari had won in their last 23 Serie A fixtures, the other 21 games being 10 draws and 11 defeats.
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