Moratti was left disappointed by Inter's ninth-placed finish in Serie A, although he continues to believe Stramaccioni has plenty to offer.

The president has yet to decide whether to risk allowing the 37-year-old to carry on in his job next season, and speculation in Italy surrounds the possibility of Walter Mazzarri moving to the club after he confirmed his departure from second-placed finisher Napoli.

He told reporters, according to inter.it: "We're still making decisions, nothing's been done yet.

"(There is) no chance of anything this evening, but there's no rush. We've got time."

The Milan giant missed out on European football for the first time since the 1999-2000 campaign by clocking its lowest finish in the top flight since it was expanded to feature 20 clubs in 2004.

Stramaccioni defended the team after his side's 5-2 home defeat to Udinese, pointing out that it was stricken by injuries and stressing Inter should not be judged on that display.

But a dismal run of form over the closing months of the season has cast doubt over the future of the man who took charge in March 2012, initially on a caretaker basis.

When it was put to Moratti that Stramaccioni has shown ability, if not produced results, the president said: "I agree with you. On the one hand he's a talented guy who will definitely be a success in this business, on the other we have the situation we find ourselves in. So I'm thinking about the best choice I can make."

When asked whether he was an admirer of Mazzarri, who is looking for a new club after deciding the time was right to leave Naples, Moratti offered a cautious response.

"They're all good coaches," he said, "but then they have to work at Inter, which is something different."

Parma announced the news via its Twitter account, with the 32-year-old now planning to end his career at the Stadio Ennio Tardini.

The well-travelled forward is in his second spell with Parma, having signed from Fiorentina in 2012.

His previous deal was due to expire next northern summer.

Amauri scored 10 goals in 33 Serie A performances for Parma this season.

Italy international Balotelli was targeted firstly by supporters of the capital club when Roma played Milan at the San Siro on 12 May.

Roma fans targeted three Milan players and the club was fined 50,000 euros by the Lega Calcio, however that proved no deterrent for some supporters in the Serie A home match against Napoli two days ago.

Despite both teams donning T-shirts bearing anti-racism slogans before kick-off, several Roma supporters sang abusive songs about former Manchester City striker Balotelli when news filtered through that the Azzurri frontman had scored a penalty six minutes from time for Milan in a 2-1 win at Siena.

This time league officials announced the south stand - Curva Sud - of Roma's Stadio Olimpico would be closed to supporters for one Serie A game as punishment.

Roma responded with a forceful statement, saying: "What occurred Sunday night is appalling and unacceptable. AS Roma does not want those individuals responsible as fans.

"The actions of this small group are hateful and also hurt our club and our loyal law-abiding supporters.

"We have not yet received a detailed report from the League or Federation but will continue to work with them and law enforcement to ensure that everything possible is done to identify and ban those involved from football stadia."

The league's latest punishment was designed to directly target Roma's hardcore fans - or 'Ultras' - who are usually housed in the 8,486-capacity Curva Sud.

The stadium restriction does not apply to this Sunday's Coppa Italia final, in which Roma faces its city rival Lazio at the Olimpico, but to the first home Serie A match of the 2013-14 season.

Inter Milan, which lost 5-2 at home to Udinese on Sunday, was also fined 50,000 euros as a section of supporters sang racist songs about Balotelli in the 84th minute.

Film producer De Laurentiis had been linked with outgoing interim Chelsea boss Benitez as a replacement for Napoli's own departing coach Walter Mazzarri, who guided the team to second place in Serie A.

Reports had claimed Benitez would be offered a two-year contract by Napoli, but instead, according to De Laurentiis, the president sent sporting director Riccardo Bigon to negotiate with City over a deal that could see Cavani move to the Etihad Stadium and Edin Dzeko join the Neapolitans.

De Laurentiis was quoted by Gazzetta.it as saying: "I did not go to London for Benitez. You would have me appointing 15 coaches: it's true, I've heard them all in the last six months and I'm aware.

"Yesterday I was in London with (managing director Andrea) Chiavelli and Bigon and for a simple reason: I have to prepare for the release of the film about Steve Jobs.

"However, I told Bigon, 'Go to City and take the chance to negotiate over Dzeko and see what they are willing to do for Cavani'.

"Who will be the new coach? I don't do things in a hurry. I'm trying to understand who will be the people to accompany me in the next journey."

Allegri steered Milan to third spot and a place in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers, but his future remains uncertain, with speculation of a move to Roma after criticism from club owner and former Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi.

Galliani said: "I will listen to Allegri on Wednesday, understand what he wants to do and then together with the president we will make a decision in light of what the coach thinks."

Allegri, who has a year left on his contract, has led Milan to a first, second and third-place finish in his three years at the club.

This season's third-place finish came despite losing an entire squad's worth of top players last northern summer.

The capital club was fined 50,000 euros ($65,697) last week after a section of fans directed racist abuse at several black Milan players - including Balotelli - in a goalless draw at San Siro.

The Lega Calcio's disciplinary commission also warned Roma to take measures against any repeat of the incident, and has taken further action after several Roma fans sang abusive refrains about the former Manchester City striker during the 2-1 victory over Napoli, despite both teams' appearance in anti-racism t-shirts before kick-off.

The chants began in Rome when news filtered through that Balotelli had scored a penalty six minutes from time in a 2-1 win at Siena.

A statement published on legaseriea.it read: "In the 39th minute of the second half, Roma supporters occupying the area of the stadium called the 'Curva Sud' directed chants of a racially discriminatory nature towards the player of another club.

"The decision is to sanction Roma with a 50,000-euro fine with the added obligation they play a game with the 'Curva Sud' closed to spectators."

The Curva Sud can hold 8,486 people and typically houses Roma's hardcore fans - or 'ultras'.

The stadium restriction does not apply to this weekend's Coppa Italia final, in which Roma faces its city rival Lazio at the Olimpico, but to the first home Serie A match of the 2013-2014 season.

Inter Milan, which lost 5-2 at home to Udinese, was also fined 50,000 euros as a section of supporters sang racist songs about Balotelli in the 84th minute.

The 35-year-old keeper, who joined the Rossoneri from Monza in 1998, made 35 appearances in all competitions this season as Milan finished third in Serie A and reached the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League.

A statement published on the club's official website read: "AC Milan wish to communicate that Christian Abbiati has extended his contract with the club to June 30, 2014."

Abbiati has also spent time on loan at Juventus, Torino and Atletico Madrid and earned four Italy caps between 2003 and 2005.

The 37-year-old tactician expects to sit down with club president Massimo Moratti in the coming days to ruminate on a ninth-placed finish - an outcome confirmed by Sunday night's 5-2 home defeat to Udinese - and his own long-term prospects at San Siro.

An injury-stricken Inter side was 2-0 down inside 10 minutes after goals from Giampiero Pinzi and Maurizio Domizzi, with Udinese brushing off strikes from Juan Jesus and Tommaso Rocchi to cruise towards a 5-2 win as Antonio Di Natale, Gabriel Silva and Luis Muriel found the target.

On Sunday Stramaccioni told inter.it: "I think that once we were out of the running for Europe all we could do was hope to finish the year as best as possible. We can't be judged on today.

"We were missing too many players, especially in central defence, and after 10 minutes Udinese had taken full advantage of two mistakes of ours.

"Now we must move on quickly. I don't think today's game will change the way our end of season is judged."

The Milan giants miss out on European football for the first time since the 1999-2000 campaign by clocking its lowest finish in the top flight since it was expanded to feature 20 clubs in 2004.

"Is it a relief now that the season is over?" Stramaccioni added. "The last two months have been extremely tough for us. We've tried to just get on with it but it's been very tough.

"The most important thing we can do now is turn the page on a very negative season in which all sorts of things have happened.

"Has Moratti given me guarantees? Inter is Massimo Moratti. What matters most now is that we don't get anything wrong in building the new Inter Milan.

"Everything is in the head and the words of our president."

When asked if a record of eight defeats from 11 games in the limp to the finish line makes his position untenable, Stramaccioni said: "Results matter in football and we've done badly in the last two months.

"But I can't not consider what's happened to us in any assessment of the team. Not only for me but for the players.

"We've had to play people out of position, field a string of youngsters - we've had five centre-backs out through injury.

"I think Moratti has very clear ideas about how to rebuild and from (Monday) he'll be working on that.

"Have I been officially confirmed? I can't speak for Moratti, it's only right that he should be the one to speak."

The Rossoneri was hovering above the relegation zone after losing five of its first eight league games but, having received the backing of the club's board, Allegri steadily steered his side into European contention.

Indeed, a fine run including just one defeat in 2013 left Milan best placed to take third spot on the final day, a mission it completed with a come-from-behind 2-1 victory at Siena authored by a Mario Balotelli penalty and Philippe Mexes' late strike.

Allegri told acmilan.com: "In the 20-odd years of the (Silvio) Berlusconi presidency third place has always been the minimum objective set down for Milan.

"After a disastrous start to the season the team put in a marvellous second half and only lost one match so I have to thank the players for what they have done.

"I am very pleased with them and they had to battle hard. It was an important win which means we are in the preliminary round of the Champions League.

"The club stuck by me in the difficult times so I have to thank them and I have to thank the fans who always got behind the team."

Claudio Terzi's opener in the 25th minute left Milan fans listening nervously to events at Pescara, where fourth-placed Fiorentina was cruising to a 5-1 win.

The pressure was really on when midfielder Massimo Ambrosini was sent off for a second bookable offence but Christian Terlizzi swiftly followed him down the tunnel to even up the teams, before Balotelli levelled with an 84th-minute spot-kick.

And three minutes later, Mexes was on hand to bundle home a rather unattractive winner.

Reports in Italy have suggested Allegri could now opt to end his three-year association with the San Siro outfit in pursuit of a new role, but vice-president Adriano Galliani is keen to retain his services.

He said: "We have been to hell and back and six minutes from time we were out of the Champions League. It looked all over when Ambrosini was sent off but no one takes a penalty like Balotelli.

"Over the last three years Allegri has earned us more points than Juventus. On net points, we are on top and hopefully we will continue with him. We will sit down and talk."

Siena, meanwhile, head into Serie B after collecting only 30 points, eight short of 17th-placed Genoa's tally, meaning the six points deducted for match-fixing at the start of the campaign was not a decisive factor.

Coach Giuseppe Iachini told acsiena.it: "There is a great deal of regret after this defeat, we certainly deserved to leave the pitch with a positive result.

"The team fought with pride, as they should have, but we were unlucky with certain incidents.

"We finished with professionalism and in the end other teams' rankings would not have affected us in any way."

The 51-year-old, whose contract expires in the northern summer, revealed before his side's 2-1 loss at Roma that he would reveal his future plans once the season was over.

Reports in Italy suggest he could take the reins of conqueror Roma, which has been coached by Aurelio Andreazzoli on an interim basis after Zdenek Zeman's departure, while both Inter Milan and AC Milan are rumoured to be looking for new coaching blood.

Mazzarri told Napoli's official website: "The moment has come for me to reflect. Napoli is a marvellous place but I am leaving after four years because the players need some new stimulation.

"I've talked to the lads in the changing room and the president, I was emotional and I hugged everybody.

"I thank the fans... and all of those who've been close to me in these wonderful years.

"I took this decision some time ago. Out of respect, though, I wanted the players to be able to give their all right to the end, which they did."

Mazzarri, who previously coached Livorno and Sampdoria, arrived in Naples in October 2009 as a replacement for Roberto Donadoni and led the club to a sixth-placed finish in his debut season.

The Azzurri finished third in the following season to secure a place in the UEFA Champions League group stages for the 2011-2012 campaign, where Mazzarri steered his side into the last 16 before its elimination by eventual winner Chelsea.

"I've taken Napoli as far as I can and I've put all my strength into this team and I think I have fulfilled the mandate in the right way," he added.

"I thank (president Aurelio) De Laurentiis and (director of sport Riccardo) Bigon who tried to change my mind, but I think it's time to go and sit still for a few months or even try a new challenge.

"It depends on the offers. Naples has a precious treasure and a solid club which is very healthy, and I think they will have a bright future."

Confirmation the Stadio San Paolo hotseat is soon to be empty feeds speculation that club president De Laurentiis could appoint a coach with Premier League and Champions League experience, with the names of Chelsea interim boss Rafael Benitez and former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini circulating on the peninsula.

De Laurentiis later wrote on Twitter: "We salute Mazzarri for everything he has done. We turn the page and keep on growing. You will know who the new coach is through Twitter."

Milan fell a goal behind to Claudio Terzi (25) and it remained that way until six minutes from time when Mario Balotelli levelled from the penalty spot.

Yet with Fiorentina hammering Pescara 5-1, Milan needed another goal to finish third in Serie A and take the final Champions League berth, and it duly got the job done with three minutes remaining as Philippe Mexes fired home.

Both teams finished the match with 10 men after Milan captain Massimo Ambrosini and Siena's Christian Terlizzi were sent off for second yellows in the second half.

Fiorentina was a class above relegated Pescara in its encounter but at the end of the night was hugely disappointed to come away with a place in the UEFA Europa League as its reward.

Vincenzo Montella's side won with ease thanks to a hat-trick from Adem Ljajic and goals from Steven Jovetic and Matias Fernandez.

Marco Vittiglio scored a consolation for the host, but there was no consoling Fiorentina at the final whistle as it discovered its efforts had been in vain.

Udinese made no mistake in tying down the final automatic Europa League place by condemning Inter Milan to a 5-2 defeat at the San Siro.

Udinese knew victory would bar Lazio from snatching fifth place, and quickfire goals from Giampiero Pinzi and Maurizio Domizzi underlined its intent.

Antonio Di Natale, Gabriel Silva and Luis Muriel were also on target, with efforts from Juan Jesus and Tommaso Rocchi mere consolations for Inter.

Lazio must pursue Europa League football via the Coppa Italia final after a 1-0 defeat at Cagliari.

Vladimir Petkovic's men needed a victory and for Udinese to slip up to take fifth place, but the Bianconeri did not oblige while Daniele Dessena claimed all three points for Cagliari with a late header.

Walter Mazzarri lost to the club which could well offer him his next job in coaching as Roma beat league runner-up Napoli 2-1.

Mazzarri revealed after the defeat that he was leaving Napoli after four years, with Roma, Milan and Inter all touted as potential destinations.

The clash was settled by second-half goals from Marquinho and Mattia Destro, while Napoli replied through Edinson Cavani.

Palermo suffered a 3-1 home defeat to Parma in its final outing ahead of its relegation to Serie B.

Massimo Gobbi, Jaime Valdes and Ishak Belfodil piled the misery on the Sicilian side at the end of a season to forget.

Fabrizio Miccoli netted the consolation for the Rosaneri.

A late goal from Cyril Thereau denied Atalanta a winning end to the season as Chievo took home a point from a 2-2 draw.

Atalanta led twice with Guglielmo Stendardo first to put it ahead in the eighth minute before Thereau levelled.

Luigi Giorgi restored Atalanta's lead six minutes from time only for Thereau to level with almost the last kick of the game.

Bologna and Genoa played out a goalless stalemate while Torino and Catania drew 2-2.

Sergio Almiron opened the scoring for Catania in the first half, but Alessio Cerci levelled for the host after 53 minutes.

Catania's lead was restored by Gonzalo Bergessio nine minutes later, but it ended all square after Rolando Bianchi netted for Torino seven minutes from the end.

The ambitious Emilia-Romagnan outfit, which will be joined in the top flight by runner-up Hellas Verona, needed one win from its remaining three fixtures to seal promotion but could only manage draws against Padova and Pro Vercelli before the final day.

The odds looked stacked against Sassuolo when Domenico Berardi (57th) and Luca Antei (77th) were sent off, but Simone Missiroli's goal six minutes into stoppage time at the Stadio Alberto Braglia made history.

The club from an industrial town on the outskirts of Modena finally achieved promotion to Serie B in 2008 under the ownership of chemical magnate Giorgio Squinzi and, after finishing third last season, coach Eusebio Di Francesco has now guided the Neroverde into the promised land.

Hellas Verona, meanwhile, ended their 11-year exile from Serie A by grinding out a goalless draw with Empoli at the Stadio Marc'Antonio Bentegodi.

Financial difficulties had seen the Gialloblu - the city rivals of Chievo - spend four years outside of the top two tiers of Italian football before returning to Serie B in 2011.

Livorno and Empoli, meanwhile, will contest promotion play-offs with Brescia and Novara respectively.

At the other end of the table, Vicenza, Ascoli, Pro Vercelli and Grosseto were relegated to the regional divisions of the Lega Pro.

Serie B final day results

Cesena 1 - 1 Pro Vercelli
Grosseto 4 - 3 Bari
Spezia 1 - 1 Modena
Ternana 2 - 1 Padova
Brescia 2 - 0 Varese
Cittadella 1 - 0 Ascoli
Novara 1 - 1 Virtus Lanciano
Sassuolo 1 - 0 Livorno
Verona 0 - 0 Empoli
Vicenza 0 - 0 Reggina

Eder, Lorenzo De Silvestri and Mauro Icardi maintained the Blucerchiati's excellent record against the dominant force of Italian football after Fabio Quagliarella had put Antonio Conte's side in front.

Emmanuel Giaccherini added a second late on for Juve, but it was left still waiting for a first win again the Genovese club in four years.

Juve also missed the chance to have beaten every single opponent in Serie A at least once this season.

Things looked to be going well for Juve when Andrea Pirlo sent an excellent first-time ball from the halfway line over the Samp defence into the path of Quagliarella who kept his cool to thread the ball inside the near post with Angelo Da Costa getting a hand to the ball.

The former Samp striker did not celebrate out of respect for his ex-colleagues.

Juve's lead lasted little over five minutes before a foul by Giorgio Chiellini on Icardi inside the area saw a penalty awarded.

Eder stepped up to beat Marco Storari and bring the Blucerchiati level.

De Silvestro gave Samp the lead with his second goal in as many games, leaving Storari no chance with a bullet header at the near post from a corner.

Quagliarella should have brought Juve back on terms, but his shot from six yards was straight at Da Costa in the 70th minute.

Five minutes later, a burst of pace from former Juve winger Marcelo Estigarribia saw him race away from the last Juve defender before sliding the ball across the slick surface to Icardi, who could not miss the open goal from just a yard out.

The referee then awarded Juve a penalty only to change is mind after conferring with his assistant behind the goal, much to Chiellini's annoyance.

Nicklas Bedntner was sent on by Conte, but his evening did not last long as he landed badly on his arm, leaving the field and leaving Juve with 10 men as all three substitutions had been made.

The Serie A champion still did not give up the fight, though, and Giaccherini sent a shot into the top right-hand corner of Da Costa's goal in the first minute of stoppage time.

Juve was unable to find an equaliser, though, as it slipped up once again to it bogey side as its campaign culminated with a fifth defeat.

The Italian striker created numerous headlines during his tempestuous two-and-a-half years at Manchester City but claims he was given a raw deal.

Balotelli, who is now at AC Milan, says that his love of women and fast cars is just "normal".

He told CNN: "I'm really happy now. I have my family near me and my friends. I can relax and find my privacy, more than in England, where I was alone."

He added that many of the stories in the media bore little relation to to the truth and he also defended his lifestyle.

Balotelli said: "Women I think is normal. Cars? I like fast cars and I don't see the problem if I like fast cars.

"Some things have happened in my life, some stuff unfortunately happens and they went in the newspapers straight away. But I don't see anything that would make people think that I'm bad or I'm crazy. I'm a normal guy.

"When you create an icon of a person in that kind of way, after everyone thinks you are like this and if you lie about it, everyone just thinks that it is all true. So maybe that's why they think I'm crazy and do crazy things.

"But I'm not here to talk about if I'm unfairly treated. I don't care. I'm out from England, I'm happy that I'm out from England. That's it."

Valeri’s table-topping Sassuolo needs just a point from its final Serie B game of the regular season at home to third-placed Livorno on Sunday morning (AEST) to jump into the top flight for the first time in its unsung 91-year history.

And though he has barely kicked a ball this season thanks to a complicated ankle ligament injury which ultimately required surgery in Sydney in February, Valeri, 28, is consumed with expectation as he wills his team-mates to take the small-town team to the big league.

“If somebody told me at the start of the season I’d miss most of the year because of injury but we’d end up getting promoted, I’d have signed up for it straightaway,” said the Canberra-product with the Italian heritage.

“If we go up we’ll become the team from the smallest town to ever play in Serie A and playing at that level is something I’ve been dreaming of for a very long time.

“I’ve ticked off a few things during my career; playing for Australia and making it to a Word Cup (2010) but making it to Serie A has been left on the list. Hopefully that’s about to be ticked off too.

“Being out injured and then having the operation (performed by renowned Sydney surgeon Kim Slater) has been frustrating, but going up would make it worthwhile and I’m feeling the tension for the boys going into this weekend.

“We’re already assured of a play-off place but we want automatic promotion and a point will do it. This is a fantastic opportunity for such a small club and thought of lining up with the boys in Serie A next season is incredibly exciting. The operation went well and I will be back fit and stronger than ever next season.”

Sassuolo, in northern Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, is best known for the quality of its tiles rather than its footballers and its own home town stadium – the 4,008 capacity Stadio Enzo Ricci - is so bereft that the team plays its home games at neighbouring Modena’s 20,000-seat arena.

Average crowds are little more than 4000 and the town’s population tops out at 41,000 – making it the would-be Cinderella side of Serie A.

Two years ago, Sassuolo was saved from sliding back into the third division on the final day and in 2010 and 2012 it fell short of promotion in the play-offs. Third time lucky is beckoning.

Ruled out of Australia’s FIFA World Cup qualifiers in June as he battles back to fitness in time for pre-season training in July, Valeri has been linked with moves to Serie A down the seasons but didn’t quite make it out of the lower leagues.

He was initially signed by Internazionale in 2004 as a teenager but never played a game for the Milan giant and was loaned out to Real SPAL before signing for Grosseto and then Sassuolo in 2010.

“There’s only one way I’ll get there (Serie A) now and it’s with this club,” he added.

“I suppose good things come to those who wait. What’s great about this club is that even with me being injured I’ve travelled to games with the players and they make sure to keep you involved.

“While I’ve not been playing, it’s still been a fantastic experience.”

Valeri had surgery to fix a displacement in his fibula and tibia after suffering an ankle injury in his 50th match for Australia against Korea Republic last November.

The problem worsened in the ensuing three months but he is now anticipating appearing at a second World Cup in 2014.

His poise and calm assurance have been lacking at times as the Socceroos have made heavy weather of their qualifying campaign - but he is convinced they will make it to Rio.

He will be back home for the final two qualifiers – against Jordan in Melbourne on 11 June and Iraq at ANZ Stadium a week later.

“I’m confident the boys will do the job in our three remaining games (of which Japan on 4 June is the first),” he said.

“I know the players and the coaching staff, and I know how important it is to them. I also know they are prepared to do whatever it takes to qualify.

“Everybody knows this is a team in transition and that has made things tougher than many people might have imagined.

“But we are third in our group with a game in hand and it’s all still in our hands. It’s clear Japan (seven points clear of Australia) have been the best team and they deserve to be where they are. It’s our job to make sure we seal that second automatic qualifying spot and I am sure we’ll do that.”

Take a look at how his fellow professionals and others greeted the news.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter: "David Beckham, one of the most iconic figures in global football is retiring from playing. It's the end of a chapter of an amazing story. David grew up as a football-loving child & achieved his dreams, and unquestionably inspired millions of boys & girls to try & do the same. Whatever he chooses to do next I'm sure he'll approach with the same dedication & good grace he displayed the last 21 years. Good Luck!"

Former Manchester United team-mate Gary Neville: "David Beckham = Amazing Career. He just loved playing football. Congratulations and a pleasure to be a team mate!"

West Ham striker Carlton Cole: "So Becks Retires at the end of the season, he's had an illustrious career winning many honours on the way! #legend."

Former Newcastle United defender Warren Barton: "Well done Sir David good luck.!! Top player.. Great man.!!"

Former Chelsea midfielder Jody Morris: "He probably got more women interested in football than any other player too..can't quite put my finger on why though??", and "What people forget about that Greece game (because of his great last minute free kick) was what a top top performance Becks gave for 90+mins."

West Brom defender Steven Reid: "Feel sorry for anybody else retiring this summer #Fergie #Becks #Scholes .. Follow them 3."

Newcastle United and former Manchester United defender Danny Simpson: "David Beckham retiring. What a player, what a guy. No one in the game will ever do what he's done. The guy's a 1 off."

Leyton Orient FC: "Already had a few phone calls but to clear things up Beckham's last game is against FC Lorient not us."

Piers Morgan: "Calm down, everyone. Beckham retired five years ago,", and "Beckham's a great guy, but he's not even the best United legend to retire this week. #Scholes."

Former England rugby union international Will Greenwood: "Beckham. That goal from inside his half. Arms aloft. Smiling. Iconic moment. The first time I saw the great man."

Here is what people in the football world have had to say about the former England captain over the years.

"David impresses by his example on the field. He never stops running, he plays with supreme confidence, he always tries his hardest and he scores important goals." Former manager at Manchester United Sir Alex Ferguson

"He was never a problem until he got married. He used to go into work with the academy coaches at night time, he was a fantastic young lad. Getting married into that entertainment scene was a difficult thing - from that moment, his life was never going to be the same. He is such a big celebrity, football is only a small part." Ferguson in 2007 speaking about Beckham's marriage to then pop star Victoria

"He's a winner. There's no doubt about that, and it's stating the obvious to say that he's a tremendous talent." Former England manager Kevin Keegan

"He is such a great player that he has the capabilities to let no one affect his game." Former England coach Steve McClaren

"He is a tremendous player and he has contributed so much to the success of Manchester United. He is a world-class performer, so any team would want to accommodate him." Former Real Madrid team-mate Zinedine Zidane

"He has a quality, a big quality; he has a touch that I haven't seen many players have. And he is very elegant when he plays." Paris St Germain team-mate Zlatan Ibrahimovic

"When we talk about great players, it's not easy to get a player who is a great on the field and an example off the field. You (England) have a lot of good players, excellent players. But I look at his behaviour; I look at his performance on the field. That is the example for the youngsters." Pele

"He makes our football easier and the strikers can take advantage of that. You also have to recognise the effort he puts into everything that he does," Raul told the UEFA magazine."That is what makes him such a key part and allows him to control the midfield." Raul, Spain great and former team-mate at Real Madrid.

"Beckham is a great champion. All the players here are delighted by the impact David has made."He has already demonstrated he's one of the best players in the world." Paolo Maldini, his former captain at AC Milan.

"I think Beckham was one of the best interpreters of the modern game and that he was a worthy heir of my shirt." Manchester United legend Eric Cantona

"If you've got the caps you deserve to be up there. Nobody gave Becks those caps for fun - it hasn't been an easy ride to get where he is now, he's earned it. He's a superstar on and off the field and a top player as well." Rio Ferdinand, who played with Beckham at United and England.

"He is a player that doesn't only kick a ball perfectly, he is the first player in the side that goes to pressure his opponents in their side of the pitch - he was an excellent pressing player. That's what we had the chance to see from him when he played in England. He is a player that has had success playing football, not just selling clothes." Real Madrid legend Alfredo Di Stefano

Just over 20 years, 19 trophies and 100-plus England caps later, the 38-year-old has decided to call time on his playing days.

Kevin-Prince Boateng and Stephan El Shaarawy have come out in support of their boss ahead of their crucial final-day fixture at relegated Siena on the weekend.

Victory will secure the Rossoneri a place in next season's Champions League, although that may not be enough to save Allegri's job.

"He did great work in these three years and needs to stay. In my view, there cannot be a Milan without Allegri," Boateng told fans on the "Google Hangout" site.

"Next year we have to do better, as there were so many new players this time. We need to work together so we can win the Scudetto."

El Shaarawy has enjoyed a breakthrough season under Allegri and hopes he stays on.

The goals have recently dried up for the young Italy striker – who was arguably Milan's most consistent performer during its poor start to the campaign – but he is determined to go out on a high and try to help strengthen Allegri's position to remain.

"Personally, scoring a goal on the last day would cap off a great season for me," he told the Milan Channel.

"It's been a crazy season, especially the first part of it. I was top scorer in the league at one point, so it's been very satisfying indeed.

"Goals haven't been going in for me recently but the coach has said he is happy with my work anyway. We are a good bunch of lads here, led by a great coach and I hope that we all stick together for next season."

Allegri was involved in a dispute with one of his players midweek, however, when striker Robinho was sent from the training ground early following a clash with his coach.

The Brazilian later played down the incident on his Twitter page, writing: "It happens sometimes in training have a problem. We are men, but now everything is ok. Forza Milan."

Garrido, who joined Norwich on loan last August, has signed a two-year deal with the option of a third season.

The 28-year-old fullback has made 34 appearances for Norwich during his loan spell at Carrow Road.

Hughton told the Norwich website: "I'm delighted to have secured the services of Javi on a permanent basis.

"He has played 34 games for us this season and the fact that we've signed him is a testament to the contribution he has made to the team since joining us last summer."

Garrido, who spent three years at Manchester City, was pleased to have made his move to Carrow Road a permanent one.

"I'm so happy to have signed full-time for Norwich City," he said.

"I am very comfortable with everything here - with the players, the technical staff and of course the fans. I am just very happy that we have managed to remain in the Premier League where we belong.

"Now I want to do everything I can to help Norwich continue to be successful in the Premier League. For me personally I am delighted to have secured my future playing in English football with Norwich City."

Roma was fined 50,000 euros ($65,361) after its match was suspended for two minutes shortly after the half-time interval by the referee.

Blatter said he could not understand the leniency of the fine and warned that FIFA's Congress would agree much tougher sanctions for racism at the end of the month.

Blatter told FIFA's website: "What is most surprising and is not understandable for me, is that the disciplinary committee of the Italian Football Federation has taken a decision, not even 24 hours after the event, by just imposing a fine.

"They have not made any investigation of what happened. And just to give a pecuniary sanction is not valid, that is not acceptable.

"You will always find money. What is 50,000 euros for such an incident? I'm not happy and I will call the Italian Federation. That's not a way to deal with such matters."

The referee, Gianluca Rocchi, suspended the match to allow the stadium announcer to order offenders to desist before play was allowed to resume.

That procedure was introduced in the wake of Milan midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng's decision to lead his team-mates off the pitch during a friendly game at Pro Patria in January, forcing the abandonment of the match and sparking new debate on the subject of racism in Italian football.

Blatter said he was stunned that racism had again raised its head in Italy.

He added: "I think lessons have not been learned. It is incredible, that we had such incidents especially in the Italian Serie A in the San Siro between AC Milan and Roma, a very important match.

"The referee had to stop the match for a few minutes in order to bring back calm. This is bad, because we are just holding this task force against racism. In two weeks, we have our FIFA Congress, and we will have a resolution, that will be binding for everybody.

"These sanctions must be applied all around the world. That's why we need the Congress's decision. That will bind together all the 209 associations."

The 45-year-old faces an uncertain future at the San Siro, having failed to guarantee a Champions League place before the final day of the season, on which ambitious Fiorentina can snatch third spot should Milan slip up at Siena.

Roma, which visited Milan for a controversial goalless draw on Sunday, is looking for a new coach after the departure of Zdenek Zeman in February.

But in response to newspaper reports suggesting Allegri is ready to replace interim boss Aurelio Andreazzoli at the Stadio Olimpico, Milan issued a flat denial on behalf of its coach.

A statement published on acmilan.com read: "Massimiliano Allegri has denied meeting any representative from AS Roma as was reported in the media this morning."

The league meeting in Milan two days ago was marred by racist chanting from a section of Roma fans, leading to a two-minute suspension in play, with the capital club subsequently receiving a 50,000 euro fine and an official warning over the future conduct of its supporters.

Rossoneri midfielder Sulley Muntari was earlier dismissed for physically restraining referee Gianluca Rocchi as he attempted to book the Ghanaian, while Roma captain Francesco Totti saw red late on for elbowing Philippe Mexes.

The Nerazzurri has endured a difficult campaign that now sees it restricted to an eighth-placed finish at best - an outcome that demands victory over Udinese with Catania required to drop points against Torino.

Whatever happens, Inter will not play European football at San Siro in the northern autumn for the first time since the 1999-2000 season.

Moratti has consistently backed his 37-year-old coach, who led Inter's youth team to the NextGen title last year, citing his unwavering resolve to succeed despite a debilitating injury crisis as the saving grace in his first full season as a Serie A coach.

The oil tycoon was unwilling to give any further guarantees on Monday, however.

He told inter.it: "There's one more match left to play, let's just let them get on with it in peace.

"You're fuelling doubts, not me. You're the one asking me if I have any doubts, and I don't have any at the moment."

Moratti also rejected speculation he is ready to sell a 51 per cent share in the club to a potential foreign investor by the end of May.

"I read that too, I think somebody just made it up," he added. "I don't think so. I haven't looked at everything properly yet."

The match, which finished goalless, was suspended for two minutes shortly after the half-time interval by referee Gianluca Rocchi, allowing the stadium announcer to order offenders to desist before play was allowed to resume.

Rocchi was using a procedure introduced in the wake of Milan midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng's decision to lead his team-mates off the pitch during a friendly game at Pro Patria in January, forcing the abandonment of the match and sparking new debate on the subject of racism in Italian football.

Although the Lega did not specify which three players it believed had been targeted by Roma fans, striker Mario Balotelli was seen raising his finger to his lips in a bid to silence visiting fans.

Roma captain Francesco Totti then approached the away end at San Siro during the suspension to reason with offending Giallorossi supporters.

A statement published on legaserie.it read: "A fine of 50,000 euros with a warning for Roma, whose supporters continuously addressed racially discriminatory chants to three players of the opposing team, prompting the referee to suspend the game for two minutes in order to make them desist from such reprehensible behaviour."

The warning attached to Roma's financial punishment could lead to the club playing future league matches behind closed doors should the events be repeated.

Roma's management responded quickly to the fine through the club's official website.

A statement read: "AS Roma condemns any form of racial abuse. This type of behavior from any football supporters, including ours, is completely unacceptable.

"We are committed to facing this issue head-on to rid our sport of this problem and to promote respect for all."

Earlier in the day, the president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) pledged to push through legislation to help identify and exclude individuals found guilty of racist behaviour in Italian stadiums.

Giancarlo Abete joined FIFA president Sepp Blatter in condemning what the Swiss called 'appalling' behaviour and, after claiming club fines are not working, he proposed more stringent sanctions for repeat offenders.

Abete told FIGC.com: "They (fines) are becoming a solution that does not solve the problem, because certain people don't care that their clubs are being fined 10,000 or 20,000 euros.

"In addition, this kind of fine does not act as a punitive sanction. We need to prevent certain people from gaining access to the stadium.

"If names are registered to tickets, these people will be prevented from accessing other parts of the stadium.

"This is a strong signal of our intent and after that would follow the entire closure of a stadium.

"This idea will be presented to UEFA's executive committee on May 24, where the main theme will be racism and I imagine that it will be endorsed as it falls in line with the committee's plans."

Inter Milan, Lazio and champion-elect Juventus have also been punished for the unsavoury behaviour of a minority of fans this season, encouraging Abete to work closely with the Lega, UEFA and FIFA to develop new initiatives to tackle a growing problem on the peninsula.

And Abete was impressed with the way Rocchi used the recently-adopted suspension procedure to handle the situation.

"There was great coordination between those responsible for maintaining public order, the referee Rocchi, his fourth official and the players," he said.

"The procedure introduced after Pro Patria-Milan worked, meaning that players can now consult with the referee to highlight certain situations.

"Each episode like the one yesterday weakens the image of football and it is a great sin that a hundred-odd irresponsible people can damage the image of the whole country, not just that of football."

Another moment of controversy in the game saw Milan midfielder Sulley Muntari dismissed shortly before half-time for physically restraining Rocchi as he attempted to book the Ghanaian for dissent.

Muntari received a two-game suspension and a 10,000 euros ($13,034) fine while Totti, who was later sent off for elbowing defender Philippe Mexes, will miss next week's season-ending meeting with Napoli.

A dismal start to the season left Genoa struggling to leave the bottom three and Del Neri could not revive the club's fortunes upon replacing Luigi De Canio in October, instead losing nine of his 13 games in charge.

His dismissal in January paved the way for Ballardini's return to the club and the Ravenna-born tactician steadily steered Genoa out of the relegation zone before earning the point needed from Sunday's goalless draw with Inter Milan to send Siena and Palermo down with Pescara.

Nevertheless, Preziosi is considering taking advantage of Del Neri's existing year-long contract by restoring the former Juventus boss to the bench at Stadio Luigi Ferraris.

He told the Corriere dello Sport: "Ballardini does not have a contract with us, Del Neri does. And Del Neri is a good coach.

"I can't deny that I'm thinking about him, because he is great when working with teams from the very beginning of the season.

"I never thought we would be relegated to Serie B, although when you lose nine games, fear can take over.

"At one point it became a bit of a nightmare. I was always thinking about who we were playing next and the league table.

"For now, let me enjoy this moment of happiness and then we'll see what we can do."

When questioned how he could consider reappointing a coach who had lost the Marassi dressing room by claiming only six points from the 39 available to him, Preziosi was defiant.

"I'm sick of hearing about my record as a trigger-happy boss," he added. "The change of coach was determined at the time by the nine defeats and the fact the squad no longer believed in him.

"If a coach driver veers off the road nine times you don't just take away his licence, but the people don't get back on his coach any more."

The Bianconeri approached an afternoon meeting with Napoli knowing it would play in Serie B next season after watching 17th-placed Genoa claim the point it needed from a goalless draw with Inter Milan to secure its own top-flight status.

Siena battled hard, however, with defender Fabrizio Grillo's early goal putting Napoli under the cosh until Edinson Cavani and Marek Hamsik hit back late on to register a 2-1 victory for the Azzurri.

But Iachini, who replaced Serse Cosmi as coach in December, believes the six-point deduction issued at the start of the campaign for involvement in match-fixing was the decisive factor.

"We go down with our heads held high, with great dignity," he told La Repubblica.

"The boys gave absolutely everything, even in today's game. We had chances to close the game out at 1-0 or even at 1-1.

"The goal we conceded right at the end came from us being caught short after a corner because we had been battling to win right to the end.

"That's how it's been all season. With the points penalty we have always been forced to play catch-up."

The final third of the season saw Genoa, Siena and Palermo locked in a three-way battle to tie down 17th spot and a fine run through March and early April saw the Tuscans leading the race.

Five consecutive defeats, starting with a 1-0 home defeat to Chievo on April 21, handed resurgent Genoa the initiative and Iachini singled out the match against the Flying Donkeys as the turning point.

"It was the game against Chievo," he said. "(Massimo) Paci's legitimate goal was ruled out and then a few individual errors let them score the goal.

"Negative moments like that don't help and suddenly you're on the back foot once again. There were lots of times when we needed to be more ruthless in front of goal.

"Siena did everything we could do, we were never happy with draws or playing tactical games. We nearly have the same number of points as Genoa and we have more than Palermo."

Former Rosanero striker Luca Toni scored the only goal of a 1-0 victory for the Champions League-chasing Tuscans to condemn Palermo to a return to Serie B after nine seasons at the top table.

Zamparini has already accepted much of the blame for events in north Sicily, citing his decision to hastily dismiss coach Giuseppe Sannino in September.

The Campanian coach had been expensively recruited from Siena, alongside director of football Giorgio Perinetti, and his early departure preceded dismal spells under Gian Piero Gasperini and Alberto Malesani before Sannino returned to the Stadio Renzo Barbera in March.

Zamparini told La Repubblica: "I'm already planning for next year. The highest salaries will be revised and capped but it will not be a drama, we will make new investments.

"Relegation might prove to be a good thing - we could rise out of Serie B to build for a brighter future.

"Maybe nine years in Serie A have made me relax so having to re-emerge from Serie B could do us some good."

Upon his return, Sannino registered three wins and two draws in a five-game spell that saw the struggling Sicilians briefly leave the bottom three when all hope of survival had been lost.

Three consecutive defeats followed, however, leaving Palermo five points adrift of safety with only one game remaining.

Zamparini mused on what might have been had he stood by Sannino and Perinetti.

"I'd decided to start a new cycle with Sannino and Perinetti, but then I made the biggest mistake since I've been in football due to my admiration for a coach like Gasperini," he added.

"I wanted to hire him before he went to Inter Milan and I thought he could be a new (Francesco) Guidolin, who brought us into Serie A after replacing (Silvio) Baldini.

"That was an error of judgement, though, and the squad built by Sannino and Perinetti went missing as a wretched year began, with refereeing decisions going against us and eight games being lost in the final minutes.

"But now we will learn from the mistakes we have made and we'll go again. We're confident we'll do well and bounce back.

"Serie B is not hell. The team needs to be rebuilt and strengthened, while paying attention to the budget, but the core of the current team will remain. We know what we have to do."

Play was suspended by referee Gianluca Rocchi for two minutes following the half-time break as racist chants directed at several black Milan players emanated from a section of visiting fans. The match restarted and, despite the dismissal of two players, ended goalless.

Blatter pledged to take stronger action against racism in football after Milan midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng was abused during a friendly match at Pro Patria in January, with the former Ghana international being invited to speak at a FIFA summit and being appointed to a special taskforce, which convened on Monday.

The panel, chaired by FIFA vice-president Jeffrey Webb, resolved to apply stronger sanctions for reoffenders, including points deductions, expulsion from competition or even enforced relegation.

On his official Twitter account, Blatter wrote: "Appalled to read about racist abuse in Serie A last night. Tackling this issue is complex, but we're committed to action, not just words."

The disciplinary commission of the Lega Serie A is yet to convene to discuss any potential punishment for Roma but Monday morning (Swiss time) saw FIFA publish an outline of proposed sanctions for clubs and individuals found guilty of "racist or discriminative acts".

A statement on fifa.com read: "The newly created FIFA Task Force Against Racism and Discrimination, chaired by FIFA vice-president and CONCACAF president Jeffrey Webb, held its first meeting today at the home of FIFA in Zurich.

"In this first session, the debates focused on the application of sanctions in cases of racist and discriminative acts, specifically studying the proposal to uniformly implement the sanctions that already exist in the FIFA regulations in a stronger and more consistent manner.

"The task force made the following proposals, which will be included in a draft resolution to be presented at the FIFA Congress in Mauritius at the end of May:

"Firstly, having an official at the stadium who would identify potential acts of discrimination with the aim of easing the pressure on referees and facilitating the availability of evidence, which is not always easy to obtain, for the disciplinary committees to take decisions.

"Secondly, applying sanctions in two stages, with a list of applicable sanctions for a first or a minor offence, such as a warning, a fine, or the playing of a match behind closed doors, and a list of stronger sanctions for reoffenders or for serious incidents, such as point deductions, expulsion from a competition, or relegation.

"Thirdly, emphasis on the responsibility of member associations and clubs for the actions of their players, officials and supporters, and on the need to implement the existing sanctions in a harmonised way across all confederations, member associations and leagues, with a proposal to request that clubs and member associations provide a concrete action plan showing their intention to fight any forms of racism and discrimination among their supporters."

The panel includes Barclays Premier League referee Howard Webb, FA governance and regulation director Darren Bailey and FARE chief executive Piara Powar as well as AZ Alkmaar striker Jozy Altidore and Milan's Boateng.

"We have a special responsibility in the way we can impact football and society," Jeffrey Webb said.

"One of the opportunities this task force has is its vast reach throughout FIFA's 209 member associations, where we can implement the resolutions in every region and every country where football is played, bringing universality to the mechanisms that combat racism and discrimination."

From a footballing perspective, the goalless draw offered various talking points including two red cards and a dubious penalty call, but most notable were the events that immediately followed the half-time break.

Amid consistent booing and chanting directed at several black Milan players from a section of the visiting fans, referee Gianluca Rocchi suspended the game for two minutes while a stadium announcement was made ordering the offenders to desist.

Allegri told acmilan.com: "In my opinion, there's only one solution to racism in stadiums and that's to suspend the match. To get rid of this stuff in our stadiums, you have to make big decisions.

"It could penalise some people but in the long run it would help us to grow as a nation and become more civilised."

Rocchi was employing new rules introduced in the wake of Rossoneri midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng's decision to walk off the pitch when racially abused during a friendly game held in January.

Sunday night's game also saw Milan midfielder Sulley Muntari dismissed shortly before the interval for physically protesting Rocchi's decision to book him for dissent, while Roma captain Francesco Totti saw red for elbowing Phillipe Mexes in the final phases.

"Muntari made a mistake and he's mortified but he shouldn't be crucified," Allegri added.

Two dropped points denied Milan guaranteed Champions League football at San Siro for next season and to secure third place Allegri's men must better or match fourth-placed Fiorentina's result at Pescara when it visits Siena on the final day.

"We have to stay calm," Allegri added. "The team is in good shape physically and now we have to face Siena.

"We didn't win against them earlier in the season and Fiorentina didn't win against Pescara so we're even on that.

"We have to think now about Sunday. The players have earned 69 points. Fiorentina have had a great year and we hope to end up ahead of them."

Roma boss Aurelio Andreazzoli decided against discussing Rocchi's performance, but hinted his side should have been awarded a penalty for Kevin Constant's perceived foul on Erik Lamela.

He told asroma.it: "Did I speak to the players in the locker room? Yes, they said it was a clear penalty on Lamela. Now that you've shown it to me again, I can see it's clearly a penalty.

"The goal-line official was in a good position too, but I remain of the same opinion - I don't want to pass judgment on the match officials' performance.

"Could we have won the game? We needed to show a little more quality to take our chances. We were very good in the first half, then in the second half we lacked ideas.

"Are the 10 points between Roma and Milan a true reflection of the difference between the sides? I don't think so. I think we have as much quality as Milan."

There were plenty of talking points from a dramatic night in Milan, which saw two players sent off and play suspended for two minutes by referee Gianluca Rocchi shortly after half-time.

Sulley Muntari had earlier fallen foul of Rocchi at the end of the first half, earning a bizarre red card for dissent, but despite having an extra man in the second, Roma failed to find a winner before losing captain Francesco Totti for his elbow on former team-mate Philippe Mexes.

The Rossoneri must now wait until the final day of the campaign to match or better fourth-placed Fiorentina's result, while Roma's only hope of a foray into Europe rests on success in the Coppa Italia final, where it faces Lazio.

Fiorentina kept itself within touching distance of Milan by beating Palermo 1-0 and condemning the Sicilian side to relegation, Luca Toni scoring the only goal at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.

And playing alongside the Rosanero in Serie B will be Siena, whose fate was sealed before the Tuscan side had kicked a ball in anger.

Giuseppe Iachini's side started the day six points shy of 17th-placed Genoa and knew its destiny was out of its own hands when Inter Milan visited the Stadio Luigi Ferraris.

The Rossoblu duly registered a goalless draw against Inter to secure its own future and render Siena's later game at Napoli a dead rubber.

Walter Mazzarri's Napoli, which guaranteed itself a second-placed finish with victory over Bologna in midweek, was given a stern examination as the Bianconeri took a shock lead through debutant Fabrizio Grillo.

But the San Paolo faithful demanded one last push and Edinson Cavani duly headed home his 35th goal of the season in the second half before Marek Hamsik settled a 2-1 win deep into stoppage-time.

Udinese and Lazio are desperate to secure UEFA Europa League football by booking fifth place and the Roman side kept in touch with its northern rival by beating Sampdoria 2-0.

After a brace from Antonio Di Natale saw Udinese overturn Giuseppe De Luca's early goal to beat Atalanta 2-1 at the Stadio Friuli, Lazio managed to edge out 10-man Sampdoria in the capital city.

Sergio Floccari opened the scoring at the Stadio Olimpico and Antonio Candreva rubber-stamped the points with a penalty after Samp substitute Renan was dismissed for dissent.

Elsewhere, Bologna claimed all three points from the Emilia Derby as Saphir Taider and Davide Moscardelli scored the goals to beat Parma 2-0, while Torino claimed a 1-1 draw with Chievo with Alessio Cerci cancelling out Cyril Thereau's opener.

Segundo Ibarbo stunned the home crowd, who had come to celebrate last weekend's title triumph, with the opening goal after 12 minutes.

Juve had to wait until just after the hour mark for the equaliser from Mirko Vucinic and it could not find a winner.

Catania won 1-0 at home to relegated Pescara.

Alejandro Gomez's 52nd-minute effort was enough to see off the division's bottom side.

Milan remains four points clear of Fiorentina, which beat relegation-threatened Siena 1-0, in the fight for third spot and a place in the Champions League qualifying round.

Napoli mathematically secured second place and an automatic entry into Europe's elite with a 3-0 victory over Bologna.

"There are two games left after today's win and we have to manage our advantage," Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri said. "We need three points, we have a good chance, but anything can happen in football so we need to remain focused to reach our goal."

Balotelli scored from the spot in the ninth minute after Uros Cosic tripped Antonio Nocerino.

The Italy striker has never missed a penalty in his professional career and he fired into the bottom right corner for his 22nd from the spot.

Sulley Muntari doubled Milan's lead after half an hour, running unmarked into the area to volley in Robinho's cross.

Robinho also created Milan's third five minutes after halftime, snatching the ball after Luciano Zauri slipped and crossing in for Mathieu Flamini to score from close range.

Flamini has four goals in a month. The French midfielder had scored three in his previous four seasons at Milan.

Balotelli, who hit the crossbar in the opening two minutes, added a fourth shortly before the hour mark, controlling Flamini's pass before swivelling and firing in for his 11th goal in 11 games since joining Milan.

Napoli was seven points clear of Milan and, with two games remaining, can't be caught.

"It's the norm for Napoli to be back in the Champions League," Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis said. "I thank the fans, so many of them were here too, and I thank the coach."

Marek Hamsik broke the deadlock in the 53rd and Edinson Cavani doubled Napoli's lead from the spot after he was brought down by Bologna goalkeeper Dejan Stojanovic.

Goran Pandev sealed the result following more good work from Cavani.

Gonzalo Rodriguez's goal kept alive Fiorentina's slim hopes of finishing third.

Inter Milan's chances of snatching a Europa League spot are all but over after it lost 3-1 at home to direct rival Lazio.

Inter goalkeeper Samir Handanovic gifted Lazio the lead when he mistimed his attempt to punch clear Antonio Candreva's cross, clashing with Sergio Floccari and Juan Jesus, and the ball ended in the back of the net.

Ricky Alvarez headed Inter level but Lazio restored its lead in first-half stoppage time when Andrea Ranocchia brought down Sergio Floccari and Hernanes converted the resulting penalty.

Inter was awarded a penalty of its own when Lorik Cana fouled Fredy Guarin, but Alvarez slipped as he took the spot kick and blasted over the bar.

Ogenyi Onazi scored a stunning third for Lazio, from 30 yards.

Lazio moved level on points with Roma, two points behind Udinese, which beat struggling Palermo 3-2.

Luis Muriel, Gabriele Angella and Mehdi Benatia scored for Udinese, with the winner coming following a howler from Palermo goalkeeper Stefano Sorrentino.

Palermo twice levelled through a Fabrizio Miccoli penalty and a stunning, long-range Abel Hernandez strike.

Udinese captain Antonio Di Natale also missed a penalty.

Palermo was four points from safety after Torino drew 0-0 against Genoa. Siena was two points further back but has a better head-to-head record against Genoa.

Newly crowned champion Juventus showed no hangover from Sunday's title celebrations as it won 1-0 at Atalanta.

Alessandro Matri raced clear in the 18th minute to bring down Andrea Pirlo's long ball and lob the goalkeeper.

The match was suspended for about five minutes, with the fans throwing fireworks at each other. Antonio Conte and the Atalanta players went to ask their respective sets of fans to stop.

Sampdoria drew 1-1 against Catania. Parma beat Cagliari 1-0.

Ahead of the 1-0 win over Palermo, which put the Bianconeri out of reach with three games left, coach Antonio Conte hinted that his future at the club depends on the will to make some serious purchases.

"As a man I want to stay, 100 per cent," Conte said last week.

"But as a professional I want to have a clear picture to decide (about the future).

"It is a matter of respect toward the fans, the club and myself. We had two extraordinary seasons."

A meeting with director general Giuseppe Marotta and president Andrea Agnelli will occur soon after the mid-week round - with money matters high in the agenda.

Conte, who retired in 2004 after 13 seasons as Juve midfielder and returned as coach in 2011, is likely to obtain a pay rise from $3.85 million per season to $6.42 million, which would make him the highest paid coach in Serie A.

The 43-year-old also expects money to be spent for two or three top-notch players that should allow Juve to keep dominating the home league and improve on this year's performance in the Champions League.

Juve made it easily the quarter-finals but was eliminated 4-0 on aggregate by Bayern Munich, which progressed to the all-German final against Borussia Dortmund.

"The expectations around Juve are growing higher," Marotta said on Monday during a Radio Rai show, adding that "Conte wants to stay on," and warning that "it takes time to bridge the gap in Europe."

Marotta noted that Bayern's power has been built over several years and its budget allowed it to buy Javi Martinez from Athletic Bilbao for $51.4 milllion euros, a record transfer fee in the Bundesliga.

Juve, meanwhile, has already secured striker Fernando Llorente from Athletic Bilbao as a free agent and is said to be in negotiations for Real Madrid's Gonzalo Higuain, who could be available for about $32 million.

Other strikers being eyed are maverick Swedish ace Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who played at Juve from 2004 to 2006, Liverpool's Uruguayan Luis Suarez, and Stevan Jovetic, although Fiorentina appears unlikely to sell the Montenegrin to its Serie A rival.

Conte also wants new faces in midfield, where playmaker Andrea Pirlo, who turns 34 this month, may enjoy being rested in easier games.

In defence, custodian Gianluigi Buffon is as reliable as ever at 35, while defenders Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini make up one of Europe's best packages, with 20 goals conceded from 35 home league games.

On the selling side, defensive midfielder Stephan Lichtsteiner and forward Mirko Vucinic may go, but rarely fielded strikers Alessandro Matri and Fabio Quagliarella are also in doubt.

The home side did almost all of the attacking from start to finish, but its inability to break down a well-drilled Chievo was punished when Thereau scored on the break in the last minute.

The win lifts Chievo to safety but leaves Roma's fifth position under threat from Udinese and Lazio, who can go above it into the final UEFA Europa League qualification berth with a win on Wednesday evening (Thursday morning AEST).

Roma needed a bit of time to get warmed up with fullback Dodo causing the first minor moments of danger before Pablo Osvaldo diverted Ivan Piris' low cross goalwards, but Christian Puggioni was alert to the danger and made the save.

Dodo continued to pose a threat when he pushed forwards down the left wing, using the chance to play in the absence of the suspended Federico Balzaretti.

Chievo was otherwise well organised in defence, letting Roma approach the final third, but then sending it away with authority.

It was the same story in the second half with Roma slowly building up more momentum and committing more men forward.

Francesco Totti's shot took a wicked deflection off Boukary Drame to hit the top of the crossbar and, from the resulting corner, Mattia Desto's header from point-blank range was turned away instinctively by Puggioni.

Dodo had Roma's next chance when he found his way into the area after exchanging passes with Destro, but he took one touch too much and a defender slid in to make a block.

Roma kept pushing for a winner with four strikers on the field to end the game with Erik Lamela sent on, but it was caught out on the counter-attack as Chievo snatched a last-gasp winner.

Drame raced down the left and sent the ball into the centre for Thereau, who scored on the volley to silence the Stadio Olimpico.

The 36-year-old joined the Sicilian outfit on a two-year deal in the northern summer of 2011 and has now penned a new contract that will keep him with the Elephants until 2014.

Legrottaglie has been capped by Italy 16 times, although he has not represented his country since 2009, and has also had spells with Bari, Chievo, Juventus and AC Milan.

While it now cannot catch Juventus, which sealed another Serie A success on the weekend, the Partenopei remains well placed to play in Europe's elite competition next season as it is seven points clear of third-placed AC Milan with three games to go.

It can guarantee the runner-up spot with victory at mid-table Bologna on Wednesday evening (Thursday morning AEST) although Mazzarri is not taking anything for granted against a team he refers to as Napoli's 'bete noire'.

"Let's remain focused, we still need three points," Mazzarri told the club's official website after its 3-1 win over Inter Milan.

"I am satisfied with this victory, but I was afraid that we would not close the game because although we had many efforts at goal they managed to draw. However, we were able to impose our supremacy and achieve a well-deserved victory.

"Now we must go on with this intensity. On Wednesday we are going to play against Bologna, our bete noir.

"Last year at the Dall'Ara stadium we lost a game that was important for the European qualification. Therefore, we have to give nothing for granted and we must have the right mentality and concentration from now until the end.

"This team's improvement is huge. We have got 17 points more than last year and we are second only to a stratospheric Juventus. But our season is amazing and now we want to crown it with the direct qualification to the Champions League."

Milan will also hope to move one step closer to Champions League football when it plays rock-bottom Pescara.

The Rossoneri went four points clear of fourth-placed Fiorentina, which next travels to relegation-threatened Siena, by edging out Torino and will be looking to carry that momentum into its clash at the Stadio Adriatico.

"The match against Pescara will be fundamental. Winning there and maintaining our lead on Roma and Fiorentina would be great," said vice-president Adriano Galliani.

Roma can go level on points with Fiorentina if it can follow up its win at La Viola with another three points against Chievo in Tuesday evening's (Wednesday morning AEST) only fixture.

The Giallorossi can approach this match with confidence as it is unbeaten in its last six matches in all competitions and has claimed four wins in its last five.

Juventus will be aiming to celebrate claiming back-to-back Scudettos at Atalanta, but it must do so without Paul Pogba, whose season is over after being suspended for three matches for spitting at Palermo defender Salvatore Aronica.

At the other end of the table, Palermo hosts UEFA Europa League chaser Udinese hoping to close the three-point gap on fellow struggler Genoa, which could move above Torino with victory over Giampiero Ventura's men.

Inter Milan has lost five of its last six matches in all competitions so will therefore be looking for a much-needed three points against Lazio, Sampdoria hosts Catania, while Parma travels to Cagliari.

Antonio Conte's men wrapped up the Scudetto against the Sicilian club in a match where Pogba was sent of after he reacted badly to a push by Salvatore Aronica.

The former Manchester United man spat at the Palermo defender to earn a straight red card in the 83rd minute.

As a result of Monday's league ruling, the 20-year-old France international will miss Juventus' final three matches of the campaign against Atalanta, Cagliari and Sampdoria.

The Rossoneri is used to challenging for domestic and European honours but this season saw it exit the Champions League in the last 16, while Juventus on Sunday claimed the Serie A title with three games remaining.

Sunday's 1-0 win over Torino helped Milan move four points clear of fourth-placed Fiorentina, who suffered a 1-0 defeat at home to Roma 24 hours earlier.

"There are some games in the season that you have to win this way as the result is so important. Credit to everyone, even those who aren't playing that much," Allegri said on the club's official website.

"In the last 26 years, Milan have always been playing at the top end of the table but this year it's been difficult, especially at the start, we dropped a lot of points but the club and team stuck together and worked hard and now the results have improved."

Mario Balotelli was once again Milan's hero as the striker netted the only goal of the game in the 84th minute to give Milan some breathing room in third place.

The Italy international has scored nine goals since swapping Manchester City for Milan in January, helping to ease the burden on Stephen El Shaarawy.

However, chief executive Adriano Galliani instead preferred to focus on the performance of goalkeeper Christian Abbiati, who made a string of excellent saves in the first half to keep the scores level.

"It was a tough game and one that we could have lost. All credit to Abbiati who in my opinion saved our skins," said Galliani.

"He was the best player on the pitch. He'll be here next year for sure.

"He has a lifetime policy here. He's the kind of keeper who saves results as well as shots."

The Bianconeri ensured back-to-back Scudettos following a 1-0 home win over Palermo, which took it 11 points clear of second-placed Napoli with three matches remaining.

A point was all Conte's men needed but it claimed all three on Sunday thanks to Arturo Vidal's 59th-minute penalty.

"I'm happy, satisfied but above all proud of these extraordinary lads. I'd like to thank the players, the club for bringing them in and all the backroom staff for their great work," said Conte on the club's official website.

"It wasn't easy for us to reclaim our title this year. Starting out as favourites doesn't do you any favours and we knew that the Champions League would take it out of us on a physical level.

"However, we've had a triumphant charge to the title, sealing the achievement with three games to spare."

Conte looked set to be absent for the dugout for all of this season after receiving a 10-month suspension for failing to report attempted match-fixing by players during his tenure at Siena in the 2010-11 season.

The punishment was later reduced to four months on appeal, with technical director Massimo Carrera forced to assume interim control of the Italian champions on matchdays.

But after guiding Juventus to its 29th domestic title, Conte is keen to extend his stay in Turin.

"I'm absolutely fine where I am, I'm where I hoped to be," he added.

"I dreamt of returning and winning here and that's precisely what has happened. I'm in the right place.

"We've achieved extraordinary things over the past few years, but you always need to raise the bar in football, taking into account the economic difficulties that Italian football is experiencing."

Chief executive Giuseppe Marotta was quick to hail Conte as the "architect" of Juventus' success in the last two seasons.

While Juve was comfortably beaten by Bayern Munich in their Champions League quarter-final clash, the Italian giant has been peerless domestically and Marotta believes Conte has been key to its success.

"Conte has been the architect of these two extraordinary years," said Marotta.

"We asked him to come in and win in two or three years' time, but instead, he has managed to do it straight away. Everyone has done a great job over these past two years."

Club captain Gigi Buffon believes Juventus was deserved champion.

"It's a huge weight off our shoulders, a responsibility we've had from the start of the season," he said. "When you're favourites and expected to win, it's only yours to lose. We did well.

"I've really enjoyed this particular Scudetto triumph, we've shown our group spirit right from the first match.

"We never put a foot wrong when it counted and in recent matches, we took the decisive steps by winning difficult games that were anything but guaranteed victories."

Defender Leonardo Bonucci added: "We've dominated from start to finish and shown ourselves to be a united and tight-knit group that fights together for a single objective.

"It's been demonstrated in recent matches when, even against top level teams, we've been able to pick up crucial points - and now we've won the Scudetto with three games remaining."

Reports last week claimed club owner Silvio Berlusconi favoured replacing Allegri with former midfielder Clarence Seedorf, who has no coaching experience and is still contracted to Brazilian club Botafogo.

Then, former Milan midfielder Mark van Bommel, also still playing football and the captain at PSV Eindhoven, was linked with the coaching job.

The Corriere della Sera newspaper claimed that Allegri had signed a three-year contract to take over at Roma from next season.

Milan immediately issued a statement categorically denying the report.

"AC Milan categorically deny what was published today in the Corriere della Sera regarding its coach Massimiliano Allegri," the statement read.

Doubts over Allegri's future at the Serie A giant, however, refuse to go away.

Two years after leading the club to the Scudetto and a year after finishing as runner-up behind Juventus, Allegri's future is likely to hinge on whether Milan claims the third and final UEFA Champions League spot.

Milan currently sits third, which offers Champions League football through a preliminary qualifying round, four points ahead of Fiorentina with three games remaining.

In his pre-match press conference on Saturday, Allegri said he had no intention of leaving: "What happened today is similar to what happened last Saturday.

"Only last Saturday they pulled out a name for the new Milan coach and this week, they pulled a name for the Roma position.

"I have a contract here and what has been written is only an inference."

Milan endured its worst ever start to a league campaign this season but fought its way back in recent months.

Allegri admitted: "Third place would be a big result and I would compare it to a title win.

"Finishing fourth would a be a bitter pill to swallow and I don't even what to think about it."

Allegri pledged that Berlusconi and club CEO Adriano Galliani would be informed first of all if he does decide to leave.

"I'm disappointed to read that I've already accepted the Roma job," added Allegri.

"I'm an honest person and if anything like that happens, the first people to hear about it will be Galliani and Berlusconi."

Juve only needed a point to claim its second straight Scudetto, and its 29th in total, but it took all three thanks to Arturo Vidal's 59th-minute penalty.

The victory lifts Juve 14 points clear of nearest challenger Napoli, which defeated Inter Milan 3-1 but can no longer catch the pacesetter with only three rounds of matches left.

Antonio Conte's side had to play out the final seven minutes with a man less after the dismissal of midfielder Paul Pogba for spitting at Palermo defender Salvatore Aronica, but it made no difference as Juve claimed its eighth successive league victory and with it the title.

While Juve was left to celebrate the championship though, Palermo's problems at the other end of the table increased with today's results.

It had picked up 11 points from its previous five matches heading to Juventus Stadium but defeat saw it fall three points adrift of safety.

In the evening kick-off, Edinson Cavani hit a hat-trick as Napoli consolidated second place with a 3-1 victory over Inter Milan.

The Uruguay striker was his typically clinical self in front of goal with poacher's efforts in each half sandwiching a spot-kick.

It took his tally for the campaign to 33 and with it increased the advantage over AC Milan to seven points.

Ricky Alvarez his Inter's reply in the 33rd minute.

Miroslav Klose scored five goals as Lazio thrashed Bologna 6-0 at the Stadio Olimpico.

The Germany international netted his hat-trick before half-time then came out firing again after the break to put Bologna to the sword in a dominant performance.

Hernanes also got onto the scoresheet for the home side with its second goal of the day, before Klose stole all of the headlines with a superb display.

Genoa boosted its survival hopes with a 4-1 home triumph over Pescara - in the process condemning its opponent to an immediate return to Serie B.

Marco Borriello (two), Andrea Bertolacci and Antonio Floro Flores were on target for Davide Ballardini's side with former Genoa favourite Giuseppe Sculli scoring a consolation for Pescara, which become the first side to be relegated from Serie A this season.

Pescara could be joined by Siena, which is now five points adrift of Genoa and safety after losing 3-0 at mid-table Catania, for whom Gonzalo Bergessio scored all three goals.

Argentina international Bergessio struck in the 14th, 52nd and 71st minutes - the latter two after Siena had lost Felipe to a red card - to help push Siena a step closer to the relegation trap door.

In the race for the third UEFA Champions League berth, third-placed AC Milan capitalised on Fiorentina's defeat at Roma the previous night with a 1-0 home win over Torino.

Mario Balotelli struck the only goal of the game, his 11th since arriving at the club earlier this year, as Milan moved four points clear of fourth-placed Fiorentina.

Udinese in sixth continued its good end-of-season form with a 3-1 home win over Sampdoria - its fifth successive victory.

Antonio Di Natale scored twice to take his tally for the season to 21, with Udinese's other goal arriving from Luis Muriel. Eder had levelled for Samp, which is six points above the bottom three.

Parma beat mid-table rival Atlanta 2-0 with goals from Marco Parolo and Jonathan Biabiany.

The home side enjoyed most of the possession and had the better chances, hitting the post twice, but there was a sting in the tail for it as Osvaldo's strike with almost the last touch of the game secured a 1-0 win and cut the gap between the two sides to three points.

With three games of the season remaining, both remain in the hunt for third spot which is currently occupied by AC Milan, which has a one-point advantage over the Viola with a game in hand.

In the day's other game, Chievo and Cagliari took a point apiece from a typical end-of-season stalemate between two sides who have already achieved their objectives for the campaign.

Pirlo is set to play an integral part of the Azzurri's hopes in Brazil, when he will be 35, but believes the time will then be right to move on.

"In 2014 I will stop with the national team, I think the World Cup will be the last appointment with the blue shirt," he was reported as saying by Gazzetta dello Sport.

"You have to leave room for the young."

Pirlo has won 97 caps in an Italy career highlighted by winning the 2006 World Cup.

While he has put a timeframe on his international career he said that he would likely continue on in domestic football.

He is on the brink of securing back-to-back Serie A titles with Juventus and admitted his desire to continue a senior career that began at Brescia in 1995 still remained strong.

"At club level I will continue on as long as I have passion and I feel important," he said.

"Otherwise I'll be the first to get me out."

Juve can wrap up the Scudetto at home to relegation-threatened Palermo on Sunday (Monday AEST) when a point in Turin will be enough to spark the celebrations.

The Juventus Stadium is already sold out in anticipation of a title party but Pirlo is not ready to talk about any such plans.

"We have to get the point and then we can talk about the Scudetto," he said.

"Believe us, we want to end the season on Sunday (Monday AEST).

"It will be the title of continuity. The group has done something important last year and this year we have repeated that, which is never easy."

The 39-year-old Argentinian ruptured his left Achilles during his side's 1-0 Serie A defeat at Palermo and went under the knife at Pavia's Policlinico San Matteo on Tuesday afternoon.

Professor Franco Benazzo, who performed the operation, told Inter's official website: "The operation was a complete success.

"How long will it take him to recover? He'll have his foot in a cast for the next three weeks and won't be able to walk on it, then he will start to walk in phase two of his physiotherapy.

"As ever in cases like these we're looking at six months out of action."

Benazzo added: "Is there a chance he might lose a bit of fitness after an operation like this? In general terms no, but locally the muscle mass will decrease slightly during the time his foot's immobile.

"But the Inter medical staff have shown over the years that they can get players fit who have suffered from more serious injuries than a snapped Achilles."

La Gazzetta dello Sport on Sunday claimed Seedorf was being lined up by club owner and president Silvio Berlusconi to take over from Allegri as of next season.

The Italian coach led Milan to the title in his first season in charge in 2011, a runner-up place last year and is now fighting for a coveted third-place finish this campaign.

Milan battled to a come-from-behind 4-2 win over Catania on the weekend to reclaim third place, which offers a UEFA Champions League spot via a qualifying round, from Fiorentina.

Afterwards, Milan chief executive Ardiano Galliani confirmed that Seedorf, the first player to win the Champions League four times with three different sides, could be one of several 'former champions' from the club to be considered a replacement for Allegri.

"All the players who helped make Milan history enter the conclave the day Allegri leaves," said Galliani, borrowing the metaphor of cardinals electing the Pope.

"After that, who knows who will become the new Pope? We should let Allegri get on with his job. I won't confirm or deny anything."

Milan endured its worst start to a league campaign earlier this season before beginning a fightback shortly before the end of the year.

However the Rossoneri is 18 points behind imminent champion Juventus and seven adrift of Napoli in second.

Although Seedorf has no coaching experience and is still contracted to Brazilian club Botafogo, Galliani added: "The president's love for his former champions exists and that applies to Seedorf as well as the other players who took this club to the top of the world."

After the report fans brandished a banner at the San Siro supposedly proclaiming their support of the current coach. It read: 'More respect for Allegri'.

After the match Allegri, who recently has been linked with a move to Roma, said: "I appreciated the banner and the applause that the fans dedicated to me but there was no need. I know how much affection there is here.

"I'm the club coach and I'll be criticised and other names will always be linked to the job."

Galliani, meanwhile, said striker Stephan El Shaarawy would be going nowhere after reports that Manchester City had offered 35 million euros ($44.29 million) for the player.

"It's clear that this player, who is 20 years old, is in the senior Italy squad and has scored a hatful of goals this season is one that is valuable for us in the transfer market," said Galliani.

"But we have absolutely no intention of letting him go."

Along with Mario Balotelli, added Galliani, 'we have the two strikers who represent the future of the Italy side, so they are going nowhere'.

Osvaldo netted twice in the first half, with Erik Lamela on target in between, and then completed his treble midway through the second period.

The Argentina-born Italy striker, who has had a fractious relationship with a section of the Roma faithful despite an impressive scoring record since arriving from Espanyol in summer 2011, celebrated his first and third goals by putting his hand to his ear and then pointing to his name on the back of his shirt.

The 27-year-old said on www.corrieredellosport.it: "I want to thank the fans who have supported me.

"There's always a section that unfortunately still goes against me, but I really want to wear this shirt and try to prove myself. Sometimes I can, sometimes not.

"But the desire is always there and now, fortunately and thanks to my team-mates, I scored three goals. I hope that from now on everything is a little more quiet."

The result lifted Aurelio Andreazzoli's side to fifth in the standings, while Giuseppe Iachini's Siena slumped to 19th following wins for fellow strugglers Palermo and Genoa.

A banner demanding 'Piu rispetto per il nostro Mister Allegri' ('More respect for our coach Allegri') was hung by Rossoneri supporters at the San Siro following speculation that the 45-year-old could be sacked in the summer.

"I appreciated the banner and the applause that the fans dedicated to me but there was no need," he said on www.acmilan.com. "I know how much affection there is here.

"I'm the club coach and I'll be criticised and other names will always be linked to the job and it's been a while since the last time."

On the pitch, Milan twice came from behind to sink Catania and regain third place in the standings.

Nicola Legrottaglie headed the visitors in front on the half-hour mark, only for Mathieu Flamini to equalise on the stroke of half-time.

Gonzalo Bergessio restored the Sicilians' lead on 65 minutes, but two goals in four minutes from substitute Giampaolo Pazzini turned the game in the Rossoneri's favour before a late Mario Balotelli penalty sealed matters.

"The team had the strength to turn this result around and it was an important win and now we have to prepare for the match against Torino next week to make sure we hang on to this deserved third place," Allegri said.

"Pazzini is a extraordinary guy and he deserved his two goals. He's played this season despite the knee and we're lucky to have him."

Zanetti underwent tests at Pavia's Policlinico San Matteo on Sunday night after being forced off the pitch in the 17th minute at the Stadio Renzo Barbera.

The 39-year-old Argentinian looks set to face a lengthy absence, but insisted he had no plans to call it a day.

"My goal is to come back stronger than before, and I believe (I can)," he said on www.inter.it. "I had to change tyres after so many miles... I'm sorry for how the season has gone.

"Injuries can happen and they're part of this profession. The most important thing is the team. We'll decide when surgery will take place.

"They still haven't given me the timescale involved, but my career certainly isn't over.

"What matters is healing well. What I want most is to be back with my team-mates."

Sunday's result dealt a blow to the Nerazzurri's hopes of securing European football next season, leaving them in seventh spot - two points off a Europa League berth.

Josip Ilicic scored the only goal of the game after 10 minutes to lift the hosts out of the bottom three on goal difference.

Zanetti continued: "I'm sorry I can't give (my team-mates) a hand in the final part of the season, but I'm confident they'll be able to qualify for the Europa League.

"I appreciate the messages from the fans, as well as those from president (Massimo) Moratti, my team-mates and the many others who have shown their support."

Goals in the final five minutes from Arturo Vidal and Claudio Marchisio secured the victory at Turin's Stadio Olimpico, with home defender Kamil Glik sent off in between for a second bookable offence.

The result moved Juve 11 points clear at the summit with just 12 left to play for, but Conte insisted after the game that nobody was getting carried away just yet.

"We could have settled for what we had (at 0-0). Instead, we tried to win - as we always do," he said. "Now we just need one point and winning the Scudetto with three games remaining would be extraordinary.

"However, I'll continue to hammer away at the players until we've won the title, and they're fully aware of that."

Conte acknowledged relegation-threatened Torino had not made it easy for the defending champions.

"No stone was left unturned in our preparations for this game," the 43-year-old said. "Compliments to Torino - it wasn't easy to win, but we managed to score two incredibly important goals.

"We played a great game from a technical, tactical and behavioural point of view."

The visitor made the breakthrough four minutes from time through Arturo Vidal, prompting a frantic final few minutes at Turin's Stadio Olimpico.

Torino defender Kamil Glik was sent off for a second bookable offence in the 90th minute, with Claudio Marchisio then grabbing a stoppage-time goal to seal the away win.

With just 12 points left to play for, the result moved Antonio Conte's side 11 points clear at the summit.

Behind it, AC Milan regained third spot from Fiorentina by twice recovering from a goal down to get the better of Catania with a 4-2 win at the San Siro in the late game.

Nicola Legrottaglie headed the visiting side in front on the half-hour mark, only for Mathieu Flamini to equalise on the stroke of half-time.

Gonzalo Bergessio restored the Sicilian team's lead on 65 minutes, but two goals in four minutes from substitute Giampaolo Pazzini turned the game in the Rossoneri's favour before a late Mario Balotelli penalty sealed matters.

Adem Ljajic starred as Fiorentina cruised to a 3-0 victory away to Sampdoria, which played the last 10 minutes of the game a man short following the sending off of Daniele Gastaldello.

Ljajic ran the show for the visitor against a team coached by former Fiorentina boss Delio Rossi, who lost that job after a violent altercation with the Serbian last May.

He scored the second just before the break, adding to Juan Cuadrado's opener, before setting up Alberto Aquilani for the third.

Victory boosted fourth-placed Fiorentina's hopes of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League.

Siena's relegation worries increased as Pablo Osvaldo's hat-trick helped European hopeful AS Roma to an emphatic 4-0 victory at the Stadio Olimpico.

Osvaldo netted twice in the first half, with Erik Lamela on target in between, and then completed his treble midway through the second period.

The result lifted Aurelio Andreazzoli's side to fifth in the standings, while Giuseppe Iachini's side slumped to 19th after wins for fellow strugglers Palermo and Genoa.

Lazio is three points off the last Europa League spot for next season after a goalless draw with Parma at the Stadio Ennio Tardini.

Palermo moved out of the relegation zone and dealt Inter Milan's hopes of European football next season a blow with a hard-fought 1-0 win.

Josip Ilicic scored the only goal of the game after only 10 minutes to lift the host out of the bottom three on goal difference.

Defeat left Inter in seventh, two points off a Europa League place.

Genoa picked up three crucial points in the battle against relegation with a 1-0 win at Chievo.

Davide Ballardini's men came to life in the second half with Marco Borriello scoring the only goal of the game in the 74th minute to take the Rossoblu out of the bottom three thanks to Roma's win over Siena.

Pescara goalkeeper Ivan Pelizzoli tried to provide some resistance for Serie A's bottom club, but once the first goal was scored by Gokhan Inler in the 46th minute, there was no looking back for Napoli.

Goran Pandev and Blerim Dzemaili added further goals to prevent Juventus from being able to celebrate winning the Scudetto later this weekend, and leave Pescara eight points from safety with four games of the season to go.

Udinese moved up to fifth with its fourth win in a row thanks to Roberto Pereyra's goal which sealed a 1-0 win against Cagliari.

Pereyra, who hit the crossbar in the first half, made amends with a more difficult effort midway through the second half to lift Udinese into a qualifying berth for the UEFA Europa League, ahead of the remainder of the weekend's matches.

Atalanta and Bologna drew 1-1 to both get the point they were looking for in a low-key affair at the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia.

Luigi Giorgi gave Atlanta the lead midway through the second period, but Alberto Gilardino equalised and the game returned to its first-half rhythm, with both teams seemingly content to settle for a draw.

Inter was fined $57,000 after monkey chants were reported during their clash with Tottenham on March 14.

Benfica copped a $A40,700 fine for the actions of its fans during the game with Bordeaux a week earlier.

Inter has already been hit with a fine for racist chanting by its fans during a Serie A clash against neighbour AC Milan earlier this season.

Former players Mario Balotelli and Sulley Muntari were both subjected to racial abuse, resulting in a $63,600 fine for the Nerazzurri.

The AC Milan man hit the international headlines in January when he led his team off the pitch during a friendly with third division side Pro Patria after being targeted with racist 'bu-bu' chants from a handful of fans.

The incident brought the thorny issue of racism in Italian football grounds back into the spotlight and prompted a number of clubs to begin anti-racism campaigns.

However, Boateng, was subjected to the same kind of racism by a dozen or so fans last week when Milan were in Turin to play Juventus.

It occurred before the start of the game and, with over 45,000 people in the ground, he simply made gestures to small sections of the crowd in a bid to stem the abuse.

But he told La Gazzetta dello Sport on Friday: "I'm really sad to see and hear what is still going on. But I can't and I won't leave because of a handful of idiots."

Juventus were fined 30,000 euros ($A38,200) by league bosses last week for the latest incident, a fine which the club accepted amid claims they were doing their best to remove the abusers.

Boateng added: "It's not up to me to say what punishments should be dealt out, the important thing is that the issue is taken seriously and tackled efficiently."

AC Milan sits third in Serie A but are seven points behind Napoli with five matches to play.

Second place offers direct qualification to the Champions League while third place offers qualification through a preliminary round.

Boateng said Milan, seven-time European champion, owed it to itself to qualify.

"The Champions League without Milan is not the Champions League. We'll claim third place. That's all there is to it."

Antonio Conte's Juve needs just four points from its remaining five games to claim a second consecutive Scudetto, and triumph at Torino could see the Old Lady lifting the trophy downtown at the Stadio Olimpico.

For that dream to become reality, however, second-placed Napoli must drop points against bottom side Pescara - which has not won since January 6 - at the Stadio Adriatico.

And as much as Juve's vice-captain would love to taunt Granata fans with early title celebrations, he cannot imagine Napoli struggling in Abruzzo.

"I don't think it's possible that Napoli will slip up," he told the Gazzetta dello Sport.

"They need to consolidate second place as soon as possible because AC Milan could win all their games before the end of the season.

"With all due respect to Pescara I don't believe they can stop Napoli. We just have to think about the derby, which is always a game that defies expectations.

"Underestimating our opponent would be folly and the biggest mistake we could make would be to relax because we think the end is in sight.

"We just need to stop any more discussion on the final destination of the Scudetto."

While Napoli trail Juve by 11 points it has a healthy seven-point lead over Massimiliano Allegri's AC Milan, which hosts Catania on Sunday (Monday AEST).

The Rossoneri has failed to win for three games, allowing Fiorentina to close in on the Champions League places, and victory at mid-table Sampdoria could finally boost Vincenzo Montella's men into the top three.

Following last week's hectic 4-3 win over Torino, Montella told La Repubblica: "I like the look of the league table better now and we can look at third with more optimism instead of worrying about fifth."

Inter Milan, which returned to fifth place with an overdue win against Parma, lead the chasing pack and this week saw Nerazzurri president Massimo Moratti back coach Andrea Stramaccioni to continue his work at San Siro.

"Considering the conditions he finds himself working under at the moment, the fact he keeps doing well is a wonderful thing," Moratti told www.inter.it.

"You ask me every week if he will stay and I always say yes."

Relegation-threatened Palermo hosts Inter while sixth-placed Roma welcomes a Siena side just one point above the drop zone.

Genoa is the other club eager to escape the bottom three and coach Davide Ballardini must plot a first win in nine games when the Rossoblu visits Chievo in Verona.

Udinese, meanwhile, has won three straight games to close to within two points of a Europa League berth with striker Antonio Di Natale hoping to bring up 20 goals for the Serie A season with a brace at Cagliari.

Elsewhere, struggling Parma hosts Coppa Italia finalist Lazio at the Stadio Ennio Tardini and Atalanta goes head-to-head against Bologna with mathematically-guaranteed safety in the top flight at stake.

Romania international Mutu was sacked by Chelsea after testing positive for cocaine in 2004 and the club has been on a nine-year battle to reclaim the money it lost in signing him.

After serving a seven-month ban Mutu went on to sign for Juventus via Italian side Livorno - who acted as an intermediary because at the time Juventus had filled its quota of overseas players.

The Swiss courts have ordered Mutu to pay compensation of 17.2 million euros ($21.79 million) to Chelsea but he has still not paid up, and the club is now pursuing legal action against Juventus and Livorno, holding them to be liable for payment because they signed him for nothing.

Chelsea had paid £15.8 million ($23.46 million) to sign him from Parma and Juventus went on to sell him for £6 million ($8.91 million) to Fiorentina.The case is being held before FIFA's dispute resolution chamber in Zurich this week.

A Chelsea spokesman told the Press Association: "We are exercising our legal remedies to recover the amounts owed to us and we will continue to do so."

Chelsea has also taken legal steps to try to claim three properties bought by Mutu in Miami worth several million points in total.

Mutu, who is aged 34, currently plays in France's Ligue 1 for Corsican side Ajaccio. He has said he intends to retire at the end of next season.

Rossoneri captain Ambrosini failed to return after half-time in the 1-0 defeat at Juventus on Sunday with Abbiati lasting only 15 minutes before being replaced by Marco Amelia, who later conceded Arturo Vidal's match-winning penalty.

A statement on the club's official website read: "AC Milan would like to communicate that Massimo Ambrosini sprained his right ankle during the match against Juventus and has suffered some ligament damage.

"Christian Abbiati, meanwhile, has strained his right calf. Both will have a better idea of how long their recovery time will be further into the week."

The duo, along with injured midfielder Nigel De Jong and suspended defender Cristian Zapata, will definitely miss Sunday's visit of Catania.

Milan is currently third in the Serie A table, seven points behind Napoli and one point above Fiorentina in the race for a UEFA Champions League place.

The Lega Serie A's disciplinary committee has taken exception to chants directed at black members of the Milan team, including striker Mario Balotelli, who was not playing due to suspension.

A statement published on legaseriea.it read: "A fine of 30,000 euros is issued to Juventus because fans, in the 26th minute of the first half, directed expressions of racial discrimination towards an opposition player.

"In the second minute of the second half there were insulting chants directed at an opposition player not deployed on the field.

"Finally, between the 38th and 41st minutes of the first half, a large banner was unfurled displaying outrageous content."

Midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng was one Milan player subjected to boos and catcalls from a section of Bianconeri supporters during his club's 1-0 defeat at the Juventus Stadium.

The Ghanaian has become a figurehead for the anti-racism movement since he reacted to abuse at a friendly match at Pro Patria in January by kicking the ball into the stands and leading his team-mates off the pitch.

Boateng has subsequently met with FIFA president Sepp Blatter to discuss changes to legislation while comparing racism in the modern game to malaria at a United Nations conference in Geneva.

The 26-year-old was seen putting his finger to his lips in response to chanting as he warmed up in Turin before the stadium announcer intervened and asked offenders to stop.

The Drughi, a hardcore Juventus fan group, had appealed for all in attendance to refrain from racist behaviour via its official website ahead of the match.

Former Manchester City striker Balotelli, who served the last instalment of a two-match ban, has been the subject of racist abuse on multiple occasions since returning to Italy.

Inter Milan was fined 50,000 euros ($63,684) for abusing the Italy international during February's Milan derby and Rossoneri vice-president Paolo Berlusconi described the January signing as 'the family's little n****r' before his debut.

Juventus moved quickly to express its disappointment and frustration over the unendorsed actions of certain individuals while reaffirming its commitment to anti-racism initiatives.

A statement published on juventus.com read: "Juventus Football Club reminds its fans and the media that it is heavily involved in projects dedicated to integration and is against any form of racism or discrimination.

"In fact, the club works very closely with the UNESCO Centre in Turin and, with the support of UNESCO, has conducted its third edition of 'Un calcio al razzismo' (Kick Out Racism), and its first edition of 'Gioca con me' (Play with me).

"The club's stance is reiterated before every home match. This commitment cannot therefore be up for debate simply because of the actions of single or groups of spectators which are highlighted by the intense media attention that football receives.

"Such behaviour does not represent the position of the club, its millions of fans or even the vast majority of spectators at Juventus Stadium, which is something unique in Italian football.

"This statement is not in any way intended to contest the decision of the sporting judge, on the contrary, it has to be interpreted as support, because such behaviour at Juventus Stadium should also be punished elsewhere with the same accuracy and co-operation from clubs."

The Serbian was withdrawn after 12 minutes of a 1-1 draw with Genoa with medical tests confirming three tears in his left ankle as a result of a challenge from Matuzalem.

The 22-year-old was allowed a week of rest before further tests determined conservative treatment would be more successful than invasive surgery.

A statement published on sampdoria.it read: "Orthopaedic consultant professor Claudio Mazzola and club doctor Amedeo Baldari have ruled out invasive surgery for Nenad Krsticic.

"Following the ankle injury he suffered in the derby on April 14, we will proceed with a conservative treatment."

Krsticic moved to Liguria from OFK Beograd in 2008 and had made 25 league appearances for Samp this season, scoring one goal in a 2-2 draw at Fiorentina.

He was diagnosed with Burkitt's lymphoma, a form of blood cancer, in December 2008 but made a full recovery to establish himself as Samp's playmaker alongside Pedro Mba Obiang.

He then played his part as the Blucerchiati reached the top flight through the Serie B play-offs last season before earning his first cap for Serbia in February during a friendly match against Cyprus.

Moments after Palermo midfielder Josip Ilicic scored in the fourth minute of stoppage-time to secure a 1-1 draw, after Pablo Barrientos' opener, goalkeeper Andujar and defender Bellusci became involved in a group scuffle on the Stadio Angelo Massimino pitch.

A statement published on legaseriea.it read: "Mariano Andujar is banned for three games for grabbing an opponent by the neck before hitting him with punches to the stomach with the ball out of play.

"Giuseppe Bellusci is banned for three games for tugging and pulling at an opponent's neck repeatedly at the end of the game."

The duo will miss Serie A games against AC Milan, Siena and Sampdoria.

The Lega also issued Catania with a fine of 6,000 euros ($7,631) after fans threw a flare towards visiting fans.

No Palermo players were sanctioned for their involvement but defender Andrea Dossena activated a one-match ban by earning his fifth yellow card of the season.

Goals from Juan Cuadrado, Alberto Aquilani and Adem Ljajic inside 33 minutes at the Stadio Artemio Franchi inspired wild celebrations among the Viola fans, who could see third place and Champions League football drawing ever nearer.

Mid-table Torino, however, rallied to tie the match through Paulo Barreto, Mario Santana and Alessio Cerci before a desperate Romulo rescued a 4-3 win for Fiorentina with four minutes remaining.

AC Milan's subsequent defeat at Juventus left Montella's men one point shy of the final Champions League berth but the coach was more concerned with his side's worrying capitulation.

He told La Repubblica: "I didn't like the party atmosphere, it threatened my players' concentration. And after we went 3-0 up, that's exactly what happened.

"Barreto's goal changed the game and suddenly we had lost our safety net. We could have even lost the game.

"But a gritty performance saw us through and by the end we deserved our victory.

"It was difficult to bring the energy back up to the required level, perhaps that was my fault.

"There was a complete loss of concentration across the team but the important thing was that we had the strength to react and fight back.

"I like the look of the league table better now and we can look at third place with more optimism instead of worrying about fifth."

A third defeat in four games leaves Torino looking over its shoulders at the relegation zone, which is now only seven points away with five games remaining.

Head coach Giampiero Ventura said: "They deserved their 3-0 lead at the end of the first half, just as we deserved the 3-3 after the break.

"Then Fiorentina had just one more shot on goal, which went in, thanks to a free-kick given away by Giuseppe Vives.

"That heightens our sense of regret and means we will have to reflect on what happened. We will have to discuss the positives, too."

The Nerazzurri is back on track towards securing a Europa League berth after returning to fifth place with Sunday's 1-0 victory over Parma, a result that followed four defeats from five games and a slide towards mid-table obscurity.

City rivals AC Milan - who occupy the final Champions League spot - is six points away with five games remaining while Fiorentina is one point behind the Rossoneri in fourth.

Moratti has consistently backed 37-year-old Stramaccioni, who was a surprise replacement for Claudio Ranieri in March 2012, praising his resolve to keep Inter competitive despite a crippling injury crisis at San Siro.

And when asked by reporters outside the club's central Milan offices if he would move forward with the young tactician, he told inter.it: "Yes.

"I repeat, considering the conditions he finds himself working under at the moment, managing to keep doing well is a beautiful thing.

"And the pride and the professionalism of the players could still bring even better results.

"You ask me every Sunday (if Stramaccioni will stay) and I always say yes."

Following Sunday's win, decided by a late goal from veteran striker Tommaso Rocchi, Stramaccioni reaffirmed his commitment to the current Inter project.

"It's a win that means a lot, most of all for my players," he said. "I'm proud to be the Inter coach and I'll give my all until the very end.

"The president came into the dressing room before the game and fired us up, which was great.

"A full-strength Inter is the only team to have beaten the top four teams. I was the coach then and the players were the same ones we have now."

The Delfini is eight points from safety in the relegation zone and facing an immediate return to the second tier - especially after a run of eight games without a win.

But former Giallorossi trainee Gianluca Caprari stunned his old club with the opener after 14 minutes and Roma's trademark attacking trident struggled to respond through the first half.

And though substitute Mattia Destro found a way through six minutes after the break, his colleagues Pablo Osvaldo and Francesco Totti endured a frustrating afternoon, with Federico Di Francesco almost snatching an away victory in the dying seconds.

Andreazzoli told reporters: "We can't allow ourselves to have such an attitude and I'm really disappointed this evening.

"I did not think this could happen again, especially after what we have said in recent days. But it happened again.

"If you play this kind of game with a confident attitude then everything should fall into place.

"We have to give our opponents credit, they put us in difficulty and teams will do that when you're not playing at your best.

"We woke up in the second half and put on a good performance, for which I think we deserved to win."

Pescara assistant coach Bruno Nobili was understandably delighted with his side's resilient display in a partisan capital city.

He told La Repubblica: "It's such a shame, we could even have finished them off.

"We had the best chance of the whole game through Di Francesco at the end but I have to say (Maarten) Stekelenburg did well to prevent the goal.

"We had a pretty good game and held up well even though we were forced, inevitably, to defend. We did well not to lose our heads."

The Nerazzurri had lost four of its last five games and, with up to 13 senior players missing, Stramaccioni found himself under increasing pressure to turn things around at San Siro.

But a late goal from veteran striker Tommaso Rocchi finished off a resilient Parma side to earn Inter three points and a return to fifth place, with its coach now demanding a grandstand finish to the season.

He told inter.it: "It's a win that means a lot, most of all for my players. I'm proud to be the Inter coach and I'll give my all until the very end.

"The president (Massimo Moratti) came into the dressing room before the game and fired us up, which was great.

"A full-strength Inter is the only team to have beaten the top four teams. I was the coach then and the players were the same ones we have now."

Stramaccioni and director of sport Marco Branca have faced particular criticism for failing to recruit adequate cover for injured first-team players and signing under-performing winger Ezequiel Schelotto in January.

The former Atalanta man was the target of cat-calls and whistles from the Inter faithful as he hacked at a series of half chances while time ticked away in Milan.

"The banner protesting Branca? The fans have the right to express what they feel," Stramaccioni added.

"Schelotto's shin was practically knocked out of place after the contact with (Yohan) Benalouane. Any other player would have come off, but he stuck it out on the pitch.

"That shows his dedication to the team's colours. Quality wide players make for more spectacular football."

Parma, meanwhile, is drifting towards mid-table obscurity having won just twice in 14 games to tumble out of the race for Europe.

Gialloblu boss Robert Donadoni told fcparma.com: "We must not think that the season is already over because that would mean going into the last matches and wasting all the good work we have done.

"We need to take responsibility for ourselves, starting with me, and rediscover the hunger and mentality that we had three months ago.

"We are lacking ambition and what we are doing just isn't enough. We are not yet safe from relegation and we need to react quickly."

Given league leaders Juventus' later triumph over AC Milan in Turin, defeat to the Sardinians at the Stadio San Paolo would have left Napoli all at sea in its unlikely bid to claim the Scudetto.

Victor Ibarbo's opener, therefore, made life difficult for the Azzurri before a Davide Astori own-goal and Edinson Cavani's 30th goal of the season established a 2-1 lead.

Cagliari hit back through Marco Sau only for Lorenzo Insigne to rise from the bench and rescue all three points for Napoli four minutes into stoppage time.

Mazzarri told sscnapoli.it: "We created so many good opportunites, but also wasted many of them. At half-time I was angry but I told the lads to keep cool and play the way they know they can.

"The victory is a well-deserved one. Nobody can deny we outclassed them with both our football and with the opportunities we created.

"Cagliari are a great team, I pointed that out before the match. As the game went by it almost seemed to be a cursed match considering the way things were developing.

"So I am satisfied with the result. Now we must go on like this, paying a lot of attention until the very end."

Should Napoli fail to beat bottom side Pescara next weekend, a Juventus win in the Turin derby will finally rule Mazzarri's men out of contention.

Cagliari boss Ivo Pulga will watch his side's game against Udinese from the stands after being dismissed for his overzealous protests in Naples.

The Rossoblu coach angered referee Andrea De Marco by demanding an end to prolonged debate over Marek Hamsik's disallowed goal just before half-time.

He told La Repubblica: "Maybe I was too impetuous but I don't think I offended anyone. I find it absurd that 10 players can go and complain to the referee for three or four minutes.

"I don't want it to become a regular thing that teams protest every single dubious situation.

"We needed a perfect game to emerge from the San Paolo intact. We managed to do so until the last 30 seconds, then we conceded Insigne's goal.

"But there have been times when we've managed to win games in stoppage time."

The Bianconeri need just four points from its remaining five games to prolong its reign as Italian champion after pulling 11 points clear of Napoli with a 1-0 victory over third-placed AC Milan on Sunday night.

Arturo Vidal's penalty midway through the second half means Juve can defend the Scudetto by beating Torino should Napoli fail to beat bottom side Pescara in Abruzzo.

But Conte knows that Il Toro would love nothing more than to keep his side hanging on with a shut-out at the Stadio Olimpico.

He told juventus.com: "We managed to win again and take a potentially decisive step.

"I don't want to think about when or against whom the decisive victory could come, I'm only interested in closing off the Scudetto race.

"After that, we can celebrate and relax following a very demanding season. We know all about Torino's desire to beat us and about the hidden dangers that await us in Sunday's derby."

Milan, meanwhile, is out of the title race and seven points behind Napoli with Fiorentina desperate to snatch third place after reducing the gap to a single point with victory over Torino on Sunday.

Rossoneri boss Massimiliano Allegri's sole focus over the five-game run-in is therefore securing Champions League football at San Siro.

"It's been an abnormal season for us," he told acmilan.com. "Juventus are having an extraordinary season, they might even reach 90 points and that says it all.

"Second place after we drew against Napoli was a tough one anyway and after this evening's result, it's almost impossible. Now we need to hang onto third place and we have to stay calm.

"We have to get back winning on Sunday and that we have a mini league ahead of us of five games and we only have a single point lead over Fiorentina.

"It was a balanced game this evening and obviously in the final third we have to do more but that doesn't mean that the team didn't do well. The game was decided by a penalty."

While the Rossoneri sweats over its chances of competing in next season's UEFA Champions League, Juve can seal a second straight Scudetto by winning this weekend's derby meeting with Torino, should second-placed Napoli fail to beat Pescara.

A Vidal penalty in the second half was the difference between the two sides, who are now separated by 18 points with five games remaining.

The result means the Bianconeri is assured of its place in the Champions League next season while, with an 11-point cushion over Napoli, it could wrap up the title with four games to spare.

Earlier a last-gasp goal from substitute Lorenzo Insigne settled a thrilling 3-2 victory over Cagliari that kept Napoli's faint title hopes alive.

When Victor Ibarbo edged the Sardinian side ahead midway through the first half, it looked like Napoli had finally been thwarted in its bid to catch Juve.

A double salvo from Marek Hamsik and Edinson Cavani just after the interval briefly made amends until Cagliari's Marco Sau made it 2-2.

But Insigne dutifully climbed off the bench to salvage all three points at the death.

A late strike from Tommaso Rocchi lifted some of the pressure off Inter Milan and under fire boss Andrea Stramaccioni as it beat Parma 1-0 at San Siro.

The veteran popped up with the only goal as Inter ended a run of three consecutive defeats to move up to fifth.

Meanwhile, Romulo's 86th-minute strike settled a 4-3 win to strengthen Fiorentina's grip on fourth place after plucky 10-man Torino had fought back from three goals down.

The Brazilian came to La Viola's rescue as goals from Juan Cuadrado, Alberto Aquilani and Adem Ljajic were cancelled out by Barreto, Mario Santana and Alessio Cerci.

Roma was held to a disappointing 1-1 draw by rock-bottom Pescara, which picked up only its second point in 14 matches.

Gianluca Caprari gave Pescara a shock lead at the Stadio Olimpico and although Roma levelled through Mattia Destro, the home side could not force a winner.

Sergio Pellissier virtually secured Chievo's top-flight status for next season with the only goal of a 1-0 victory at struggling Siena, which remains one point above the relegation zone.

The Flying Donkeys opened a 10-point gap over the bottom three as 17th-placed Siena failed to respond to Pellissier's effort on the stroke of half-time.

With five games remaining Chievo is unlikely to be sucked back into a scrap to survive but the Tuscan side has both Genoa and Palermo snapping at its heels.

The Rossoblu took a point from a 1-1 home draw with Atalanta the previous evening while Palermo's Josip Ilicic scored at the death in the Sicilian derby against 10-man Catania.

Defeat at the Stadio Angelo Massimino, which seemed inevitable after Pablo Barrientos' opener, would have left the Rosanero second from bottom and three points from safety.

Ilicic had other ideas, though, sparing his side's blushes and earning a 1-1 draw with a confident finish four minutes into second-half stoppage-time.

Catania goalkeeper Mariano Andujar was subsequently dismissed as the host's frustration boiled over.

Elsewhere, Bologna and Sampdoria played out a 1-1 draw at the Renato Dall'Ara after Gianluca Sansone cancelled out Alberto Gilardino's first-half strike.

Di Natale's acrobatic finish in the 19th minute kept Udinese firmly in the hunt for UEFA Europa League football with Roma's superior goal difference the only factor keeping Francesco Guidolin's men out of fifth place.

Lazio started brightly at the Stadio Friuli but visiting goalkeeper Zeljko Brkic was wise to efforts from Antonio Candreva and Miroslav Klose before Di Natale netted his 18th league goal of the season with a scissor kick from the edge of the area.

The veteran might have killed the game off with a second goal after the break but Michael Ciani produced an excellent tackle when the Italian's first touch let him down.

Genoa remains in the bottom three with one fewer game to play after being held at home 1-1 by Atalanta.

Antonio Floro Flores gave the Grifone the lead in the sixth minute, but Cristiano Del Grosso replied two minutes later to earn the Nerazzurri a point and maintain a nine-point gap over its rival with five games of the season remaining.

The 22-year-old activated a one-match ban by picking up a fourth yellow card of the season during a 2-2 draw with Fiorentina but his post-match altercation with an assistant referee earned him a further two-match penalty.

Balotelli missed last weekend's 1-1 draw with Napoli and will sit out Sunday night's top-three encounter with Juventus but can feature against Catania at San Siro on April 28.

A statement published on legaseriea.it read: "AC Milan have challenged the penalty of a three-match suspension imposed on Mario Balotelli after the Fiorentina-Milan game of April 7.

"The appeal has been partially successful and, as a result, the penalty is reduced to two matches with the third disqualification being commuted to a fine of 20,000 euros."

Balotelli has scored seven goals in eight games for Milan since leaving Manchester City in January.

The Rossoneri are currently third in Serie A and trail second-placed Napoli by four points with Fiorentina its nearest challenger for the last UEFA Champions League spot.

Milan no longer harbours realistic hopes of winning the Scudetto, given Juve's 15-point advantage with only six games remaining, but Boateng is concerned defeat at the Juventus Stadium would jeopardise prospects of playing Champions League football.

The Ghanaian was sent off as Juve claimed a 2-0 victory in last season's meeting in Turin and he is particularly eager to reach the final whistle as part of the winning team.

He told La Repubblica: "If we want to finish second then we will have to win in Turin. The team that makes the fewest errors will win the match.

"The Juventus match will be a special game and no-one here needs any more encouragement going into it."

Juve requires just seven points from the remaining games to guarantee the defence of its title and defender Andrea Barzagli believes a focused approach will be essential against Milan.

"We're chasing the Scudetto, while they're aiming for Champions League qualification," he told juventus.com. "It won't be easy, but we're preparing well."

Napoli is 11 points behind but can stay in touch with the leaders with victory over mid-table Cagliari at San Paolo while fourth-placed Fiorentina tries its luck against Torino.

Vincenzo Montella's Viola closed to within four points of Milan by beating Atalanta last time out.

Lazio, which occupies the final Europa League place, visits an Udinese side which is determined to qualify for continental competition for the third season in a row.

Three points and three places separate the two clubs, with Coppa Italia semi-finalists Roma and Inter Milan bridging the gap.

The Giallorossi completed a 5-3 aggregate victory over Inter to book their place in next month's final, where they will face city rival Lazio, but more pressing is the visit of bottom side Pescara to the capital.

The season run-in promises to be particularly complicated for the Nerazzurri, with injuries to Esteban Cambiasso and Fredy Guarin leaving head coach Andrea Stramaccioni short of 13 senior players.

Inter has lost four of the last five games to drift nine points away from the top three and 36-year-old Stramaccioni is under pressure to deliver a positive result against Parma at San Siro, despite the injury crisis.

The race to avoid relegation heats up this weekend with Siena, Palermo and Genoa all battling to secure 17th place with time running out.

The Tuscans have a slight advantage over their rivals in the form of a two-point cushion above the drop zone and next up at the Stadio Artemio Franchi is Chievo, which is eight points clear of the bottom three.

Palermo travels the short distance to Catania for the second Sicilian derby of the season while 19th-placed Genoa hosts Atalanta.

Elsewhere, Bologna and Sampdoria go head-to-head at the Renato Dall'Ara with both sides eager to banish any lingering threat of relegation.

Details of the 26-year-old's contract, including its length, have not been released.

"Catania can confirm reaching an economic agreement for the next few seasons with the striker Sebastian Eduardo Leto," a statement on the club's website read.

The former Liverpool striker joined Panathinaikos in 2009 after previously being on loan at its arch-rival Olympiacos.

However, his career in Athens stalled after a serious knee injury suffered in January last year.

Catania is safely in mid-table heading into the final weeks of the Serie A season.

The 26-year-old Uruguayan has scored 29 goals in all competitions for Serie A's second-placed side this season to attract interest from a host of European clubs including Real Madrid and Manchester City.

Cavani will not be distracted from securing Napoli's place in next season's UEFA Champions League group stages, with leader Juventus 11 points away with six games remaining, but he has not ruled out the prospect of a future move elsewhere.

He told La Repubblica: "I'm fine in Naples, but in football there are lots of things to consider.

"I can only say that I will give my all in this shirt until the last day I wear it.

"Second place is not guaranteed, it's up to us. We have to make it ours in the forthcoming matches.

"Actually, looking at the team above us (Juventus), not even the championship is decided. We will do everything we can."

Cavani has scored over 100 Serie A goals during spells with Palermo and Napoli, which he joined from the Sicilian club in 2010. Seventy-one of those league goals have come in a Napoli shirt.

The Nerazzurri dropped to seventh in the Serie A table after a 2-0 defeat at Cagliari - the Milan club's fourth loss in five league outings - with the last UEFA Champions League place now nine points away with six games remaining.

Two more key players joined a lengthy injury list, with midfielder Walter Gargano and defender Yuto Nagatomo both suffering leg injuries to leave Inter with a selection dilemma ahead of Wednesday evening's (Thursday morning AEST) Coppa Italia semi-final meeting with Roma.

But it is the serious personnel crisis - which has seen senior strikers Rodrigo Palacio and Diego Milito ruled out of several important fixtures - that convinces Moratti his 36-year-old coach has been working at a clear disadvantage for most of the season.

He told the Gazzetta dello Sport: "I can't do anything else but support Stramaccioni, based on all the difficulties we've had to deal with this season.

"We are going through a difficult and quite dramatic season. In terms of the injuries, I hope we can come up with a solution, but it will be difficult.

"But a little bit of invention and good luck could see us through."

Moratti has also invoked the anger of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) by suggesting match officials have regularly acted 'without good faith' towards Inter, with other figures at the club publicly suggesting referees have favoured city rival AC Milan in its bid for a top-three finish.

The FIGC has summoned Moratti and his legal representatives to a disciplinary commission to examine his comments.

Two goals from Arturo Vidal inside the first half-an-hour ended Lazio's hopes of moving into contention for a place in the UEFA Champions League next season in the battle of the two last Italian survivors in Europe, up until last week.

Juve bounced back in style from its UEFA Champions League elimination to Bayern Munich while Lazio failed to do likewise after going out of the UEFA Europa League at the hands of Fenerbahce.

Lazio, lacking the suspended Giuseppe Biava and Stefano Radu, had to improvise in defence, which is hardly an ideal situation when faced with the league leader.

A foul on Mirko Vucinic inside the penalty area was punished in the eighth minute, and Vidal beat Federico Marchetti from the spot to put the Bianconeri ahead.

Vucinic was denied by a good diving save from Marchetti in the 20th minute before Vidal made it two.

Vucinic's cross was diverted kindly for Vidal, and the former Bayer Leverkusen midfielder accepted the invitation to score from close range.

Lazio's heads dropped and Paul Pogba missed two chances to increase Juve's lead before the interval.

The home team's coach Vladimir Petkovic appeared to have found the right words during the break as Miroslav Klose and Ederson both went close with two early chances in the second half.

But it was always open to attacks and Claudio Marchisio should have increased Juve's lead when he lifted his shot over in the 56th minute.

Libor Kozak came on, but the man who was so prolific as the Europa League's top goalscorer could not recreate that threat in a Serie A game, wasting several chances to reopen the game.

And Klose summed up his side's luck, or lack thereof, when he shot wide in stoppage-time.

The Serbia international was withdrawn after 17 minutes of his side's derby meeting with Genoa, which ended 1-1 at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris, and medical examinations have confirmed the extent of the damage.

A statement published on sampdoria.it read: "Nenad Krsticic, accompanied by club doctor Amedeo Baldari, underwent an MRI scan at Laboratorio Albaro in Genoa this morning.

"The tests showed tears to the taliofibular ligament, calcaneofibular ligament and to the joint-capsule of the left ankle.

"The midfielder will be observed over several days of immobility and, after re-evaluation from orthopaedic consultant Professor Claudio Mazzola, we will decide whether to proceed with conservative treatment or with surgery."

The 22-year-old, who moved to Liguria from OFK Beograd in 2008, has made 25 league appearances for Samp this season, scoring one goal in a 2-2 draw at Fiorentina.

Krsticic was diagnosed with Burkitt's lymphoma, a form of blood cancer, in December 2008 but made a full recovery to establish himself as Samp's playmaker alongside Pedro Mba Obiang.

He then played his part as the Blucerchiati reached the top flight through the Serie B play-offs last season before earning his first cap for Serbia in February during a friendly against Cyprus.

Uruguayan midfielder Gargano and Japanese defender Nagatomo were both withdrawn in the second half of Sunday's 2-0 Serie A defeat at Cagliari, with medical examinations confirming leg injuries for the duo.

Inter must overturn Roma's 2-1 first-leg advantage in Milan to reach May's final against Lazio, but head coach Andrea Stramaccioni will be without Joel Obi, Gaby Mudingayi, Diego Milito, Luca Castellazzi, Cristian Chivu, Dejan Stankovic, Rodrigo Palacio, Antonio Cassano, Ibrahim M'Baye, Gargano and Nagatomo.

A statement published on inter.it read: "Medical examinations carried out after yesterday's match against Cagliari have confirmed damage to Yuto Nagatomo's left meniscus (knee joint).

"For Walter Gargano, who left the field after eight minutes of the second half, there is second-to-third degree damage to the rectus femoris muscle of his left thigh."

No prognosis for recovery was issued but the injuries should rule the pair out of Wednesday's game and forthcoming league ties against Palermo, Napoli and Lazio.

The absence of Palacio, Milito and Cassano has been particularly damaging to Inter's league form, with 35-year-old Tommaso Rocchi currently operating as the club's only fit senior striker alongside attacking midfielder Ricky Alvarez.

Sunday's defeat to Cagliari at the Stadio Nereo Rocco in Trieste leaves Inter seventh in the Serie A table with third-placed AC Milan and the final Champions League spot nine points away with six games remaining.

Mathieu Flamini's 29th-minute goal briefly brought Milan within a point of the Azzurri but Goran Pandev struck four minutes later to keep Napoli out in front and within eight points of leaders Juventus.

Flamini then weakened the hosts' chances of holding out for the draw at San Siro by seeing red for his two-footed challenge on Juan Camilo Zuniga.

But Milan survived to keep the southerners within four points and Allegri is confident the Rossoneri can push on over the six-game run-in.

He told acmilan.com: "It's a good point. As far as the league goes, I think it's a great point.

"We've come through a few tough games and now we have to face Juventus in Turin.

"We still need to put more points on the board to hang on to third place and get as close as we can to second. That won't be easy because Napoli are in great form.

"So I think that if Milan manage to get at least third place, that would be an important achievement that seemed almost impossible not long ago.

"The reality is that the players deserve a round of applause, but if you want to talk about flying to the moon then you can chat on until tomorrow and I'll listen.

"Obviously it would have been better to win, but all in all I think it's a good result against a great team."

Flamini stopped short of apologising for his out-of-control lunge on Zuniga in the 72nd minute.

"I went in hard with the tackle and I got the player as well as the ball," he said. "These are things that can happen on the pitch.

"I was very eager to show that I'm in good shape and I want to do well for this team. Now we have to work hard for the next week and make sure we're ready to face Juventus.."

Napoli boss Walter Mazzarri was disappointed not to capitalise when Milan lost its French midfielder but, nevertheless, the Tuscan tactician feels his team is improving year on year.

"This season we have taken 15 points more than last season, Juventus only six more," he told sscnapoli.it.

"We have been doing really great. In the last four years we have always finished in the top spots and I think that this is a clear sign of growth.

"Whoever has been in football for a while knows that you have to be careful, but considering how we played after the equaliser I hoped we would score another goal.

"But we have been doing great things and my players have given me a lot of satisfaction."

The Italian Football Federation has already asked Inter to explain comments made in the wake of last week's 4-3 defeat to Atalanta, with the club claiming match officials have acted 'without good faith' towards the Nerazzurri on a regular basis.

The accusations started when referee Andrea Gervasoni awarded Atalanta's German Denis a penalty for a marginal handball and here Stramaccioni railed against Domenico Celi for handing Cagliari a spot-kick after minimal contact between Matias Silvestre and Mauricio Pinilla.

The Chile striker made no mistake from the penalty spot before compounding Inter's misery with a late second at the Stadio Nereo Rocco.

Stramaccioni told inter.it: "I must still congratulate my team despite the negative result. What's going on is unbelievable. This season is cursed, but we were doing well until the penalty."

Inter's season has also been marred by a perpetual injury crisis, with midfielder Walter Gargano and defender Yuto Nagatomo both suffering knocks to leave Stramaccioni with even fewer options.

"We had a chance with (Tommaso) Rocchi, then we picked up yet another injury, this time to Gargano," he added.

"Then they were awarded a penalty, which looked dubious to us, before we lost (Yuto) Nagatomo to injury."

Inter's hopes of reaching the UEFA Champions League places now look bleak but May's Coppa Italia final is within reach should Stramaccioni's men overcome Roma's 2-1 lead in Wednesday evening's (Thursday morning AEST) semi-final, second leg.

He added: "Now we have a very important match. We've lost another two players but we'll try to go into the Roma game in the best way possible.

"We're down to 14 players and (Alvaro) Pereira and (Fredy) Guarin are suspended against Roma but we'll see what we can do.

"Any side that loses two forwards to injury and other big players would struggle to do well."

Cagliari coach Diego Lopez commended his players for shrugging off the upheaval of moving over 600 miles north east to Trieste by climbing into the top half of the table.

The Rossoblu decided to leave the doomed Stadio Is Arenas to close out the season at the Stadio Nereo Rocco, but the relocation did little to unsettle the Sardinian side, which is now 10th.

He told cagliaricalcio.net: "It's all down to the boys, they are having an extraordinary season despite the really difficult situation off the pitch.

"We have a great team that has played together for many years and the squad is excellent. We can count on five quality strikers and whoever comes in does well.

"Today, Pinilla came in and scored the decisive goals."

Mathieu Flamini's early strike denied the Azzurri the chance to pull seven points clear.

Flamini played both hero and villain as he briefly cut Napoli's lead over third place to a single point before seeing red for a reckless challenge on Juan Camilo Zuniga in the second half.

The Azzurri was hoping to maintain its pursuit of leader Juventus but Pandev's equaliser was only enough to cut the gap to eight points with six games remaining.

Earlier, Cagliari made a perfect return to its temporary home in Trieste as Mauricio Pinilla scored twice to defeat struggling Inter Milan 2-0 at the Stadio Nereo Rocco.

Inter's week spent blaming officials' decisions for its disappointing campaign ended with another controversial penalty call as Pinilla fired the rehoused Sardinian side ahead midway through the second half before hitting the winner 15 minutes from time.

Cagliari has left the doomed Stadio Is Arenas to move back to the Rocco, where it closed out last season, but the 600-mile journey north east did not adversely affect its players, and it now finds itself in the top half of the table.

Inter, meanwhile, drops to seventh on the back of a second consecutive defeat, with the prospect of UEFA Champions League, or even UEFA Europa League football for next season fading fast.

Roma held on for the final 10 minutes with a man less to claim a potentially valuable three-point haul from a 2-1 win away to Torino.

The visitor twice led in the match - goals from Pablo Osvaldo and Erik Lamela sandwiching an equaliser from Rolando Bianchi - but was left sweating at the end after its Italy defender Federico Balzaretti picked up a second yellow card for a foul on Alessio Cerci.

Torino could not make the most of its numerical advantage though as Roma claimed a victory that moves it level on 51 points with fifth-placed Lazio, which plays host to Juventus on Monday evening (Tuesday morning AEST).

Udinese moved within three points of the Europa League places after Luis Muriel scored twice in a comfortable 3-0 victory at Parma.

Bianconeri coach Francesco Guidolin was worried about visiting the Stadio Ennio Tardini without his suspended 20-goal striker Antonio Di Natale, but Muriel allayed his fears with a coolly-taken brace in the first half.

Parma, which dropped into the bottom half of the table, was at a loss for ideas after the break and Roberto Pereyra compounded its misery with a third goal on the hour mark.

Matuzalem spared Genoa's blushes with a fortuitous equaliser in a 1-1 derby draw as 10-man Sampdoria missed the chance to complete a rare double.

Samp was in no mood to do its city rival any favours in the battle to beat the drop and Eder's improvised free-kick put Delio Rossi's men on course to follow up November's 3-1 derby victory and push Genoa closer to relegation.

But Matuzalem pounced on a mistake from Samp goalkeeper Sergio Romero, after Andrea Costa had seen red, to keep the Rossoblu within two points of 17th-placed Siena with six games remaining.

Palermo saw its survival hopes suffer a setback as it was held 1-1 at home by Bologna.

Josip Ilicic gave the host a flying start at the Stadio Renzo Barbera with a goal after just five minutes, but Manolo Gabbiadini brought Bologna level soon after.

Palermo searched for a winner, but could not find one as it was left inside the bottom three, two points adrift of Siena and safety.

Elsewhere, Catania's hopes of competing in Europe next season suffered a blow as it drew a blank in a goalless draw at lowly Chievo.

The Australia U-20 captain is in Italy with his father Peter Antonis and after meeting with the team's management agreed to put pen to paper for the club that was home to Socceroos greats Vince Grella and Mark Bresciano.

It is understood the A-League club was reluctant to let Antonis go, but the sum offered by Parma triggered a release clause in his two-year deal.

"It's always been my dream to play in Serie A and I couldn't be happier," Antonis said.

"It's a fantastic set up over here and a huge opportunity for me to further my career.

"To be joining the same club that Vince Grella and Mark Bresciano played for is a privilege. I hope I can taste some of the success they enjoyed in Italy.

"It's a club with great tradition and hopefully I can take my game to another level here and add to my football education.

"I also want to thank Sydney FC and especially Alessandro Del Piero and Pascal Bosschaart who have been really influential and have helped me so much in my time at the club."

Assuming there are no late hitches, Antonis will officially join Parma - coached by Italy international Roberto Donadoni - when the transfer window re-opens on 1 July.

The 19 year-old won't link up with his new teammates until after the FIFA Under-20 World Cup which runs from 21 June to 13 July.

"I certainly don't think I'll just go over there and start playing in Serie A straight away. It's going to be a big learning experience," Antonis said. "I'll devote myself to becoming a better player and I feel I'll be in the right environment to do that."

Sydney FC was believed to be keen on selling Antonis to FC Utrecht for a higher sum, having agreed to send him on trial to the Eredivisie club.

When Parma came calling the decision was made easy for him.

Antonis will become the second Australian in Serie A, with Socceroos midfielder James Troisi on the books at Atalanta.

The host faded after a good start and a penalty scored by David Pizarro gave Fiorentina the lead after an hour's play.

Marcelo Larrondo made it two 10 minutes later as Fiorentina reduced the arrears on third-placed AC Milan to three points.

Atalanta remains in mid-table, but will have to do without striker German Denis in at least its next game against Genoa after he received a red card in the last minute.

Siena climbed out of the bottom three and pushed Pescara even closer to relegation with a dramatic 3-2 win at the Stadio Adriatico.

Angelo and a Damiano Zanon own goal gave Siena a two-goal cushion at the interval, but Pescara launched a spirited fightback in the second half to level through Mervan Celik and Eugenio Togni.

Siena regained the lead of a pulsating battle with four minutes remaining through Innocent Emeghera.

Moratti criticised referee Andrea Gervasoni and his assistants for acting "without good faith" after seeing Atalanta recover from 3-1 down to win 4-3 at San Siro after German Denis was awarded a controversial penalty.

Inter's official website published his comments alongside those of television presenter Paolo Bonolis, who specifically accused the authorities of favouring city rival AC Milan.

A statement published on figc.it read: "After examining the statements published on April 8 and 9, 2013, the federal prosecutor has referred Inter president Massimo Moratti and his club to the disciplinary commission.

"Moratti has been referred for publishing offensive statements and judgements in the media regarding the reputation, good faith and impartiality of the match officials and consequently the consistency of the referees' work in the championship, therefore prejudicing the reputation of organisations operating within the FIGC, as well as the prestige and credibility of the federation.

"Inter are referred for having direct responsibility for the violation ascribed to the president and the legal representatives of Massimo Moratti's club."

Moratti had told inter.it: "You only have to look at the way this season has gone, especially regarding us. When people want to hit you, they do it anyway.

"Even when there's no doubt - because there was nothing there - a penalty is given against us. We haven't been given a penalty for 21 games."

The Rome club, hosting the second leg of the quarter-final behind closed doors due to recent racist behaviour by their fans, faced an uphill battle having lost 2-0 in Istanbul last week.

For 70 minutes it put up a determined fight and Senad Lulic's goal just after the hour mark provided hope, but Caner Erkin's powerful equaliser - the visitor's first shot on target - ended Italian hopes and put Fener into the final four of a European competition for the first time.

"We compromised our qualification chances in the first leg," Petkovic said on Sky Italia.

"However, congratulations to the players. I'm happy with how they performed in the game - commitment right up to the 90th minute.

"We tried to win it, even if it no longer counted. We saw a Lazio who produced 15 times what the opponents did (attempts on goal). With a little more precision we could have won.

"Now we need patience and to rest well. We will take a breather before a good game on Monday evening against Juventus and will do everything to win."

Germany striker Miroslav Klose was introduced in the second half and failed to have the desired impact, but Petkovic refused to point the finger at any individual.

"I cannot blame anyone," he said. "Everyone gave their all - they fought right to the end."

Petkovic admitted the team missed having the support of their fans as they battled to continue their European campaign in the eerie surrounds of a virtually empty Stadio Olimpico.

"They would have helped," he said. "I'm sure, especially at 1-0 our fans would have given us the edge."

He added: "One of the regrets is not being at 100 per cent in this tie, but another is that we had 15 shots on goal and did not win this game.

"But we should not cry over things that cannot be changed. The boys gave their all to turn around the negative result of Istanbul, but I'm very happy."

Fenerbahce forward Dirk Kuyt hailed a momentous day for the Turkish club.

The Holland international said: "Today was an historic day indeed. Rome is an historic city and although we arrived leading 2-0 it is not easy to maintain.

"We worked hard and did not panic when we went a goal down.

"Reaching the semi-finals is something for all of us, and is very important for all of Turkey."

The Azzurri enjoys a four-point lead over Massimiliano Allegri's men so victory at San Siro would see the southern club move seven points clear while keeping pace with leader Juventus.

The Italian champion must wait until Monday evening (Tuesday morning AEST) to face Lazio, meaning Mazzarri's side could keep the race for the Scudetto alive by closing the gap to six points with victory.

Mazzarri told sscnapoli.it: "This kind of match is unique and from a psychological point of view.

"AC Milan have made a great comeback so we know this is going to be tough. We will have to be brilliant and determined.

"Let's focus on these last few matches to consolidate our extraordinary season.

"We have more 14 points than we had last year and we want to qualify for the Champions League again. That would be an extremely impressive achievement."

Milan must cope without star striker Mario Balotelli, who starts a three-match ban after verbally abusing a referee during last week's draw at Fiorentina. The Italy international will also miss high-profile clashes against Juventus and Catania.

La Viola, meanwhile, is six points behind Milan and looking to narrow that gap with a positive result against Atalanta.

The Bergamo outfit stunned Inter Milan with a 4-3 victory at San Siro last time out and Andrea Stramaccioni must get the Nerazzurri back on track against Cagliari, which has been given permission to use the Stadio Nereo Rocco in Trieste.

The second Derby della Lanterna takes place this weekend with Genoa eager to avenge November's 3-1 defeat to newly-promoted Sampdoria with a reversed outcome at the Marassi.

While Samp is safe in mid-table, Genoa is struggling to break free of a three-way tie for 19th place with Siena and Palermo, who are showing signs of recovery at the right time.

The Sicilian side claimed back-to-back victories for the first time this season in beating Samp 3-1 while Siena held resurgent Parma to a goalless draw in Tuscany.

Palermo hosts 12th-placed Bologna while Siena visits bottom side Pescara, which is six points adrift of safety and preparing for life in Serie B.

Elsewhere, Catania is looking to beat its all-time points record in the top flight by reaching 49 should it win at Chievo's Stadio Marc'Antonio Bentegodi.

Parma takes on Udinese and Torino hosts Roma in the weekend's remaining matches before Lazio welcomes Juventus to the capital.

The Biancocelesti could capitalise on any slip-up from Fiorentina to go fourth with victory over Juve, which is now out of the UEFA Champions League after a 4-0 aggregate defeat to Bayern Munich.

Balotelli picked up his fourth booking of the season during the 2-2 draw against Fiorentina to earn an automatic one-match ban.

The league confirmed two further matches have been added for the Italy international's actions at the end of the match, when the January signing from Manchester City directed insults at one of the assistant referees.

The ban rules Balotelli out of the meetings with Napoli, Juventus and Catania - crucial matches in Milan's bid to secure automatic qualification for the UEFA Champions League - and the club reacted by announcing it would appeal.

"AC Milan would like to communicate that it will appeal against the three-match suspension handed out to Mario Balotelli," a statement on the club's website read.

The 22-year-old has made a major impact since returning to Italy, scoring 10 goals in 11 matches for club and country this year, but Milan got a taste for his more controversial side on the weekend.

Chief executive Adriano Galliani told Gazzetta dello Sport Balotelli is also facing a club fine for smoking in the toilets on the train to the match.

Totti cancelled out Hernanes' opener when he slid in a 56th-minute penalty to draw level with Dino Da Costa and Marco Delvecchio's derby record of nine goals.

The 36-year-old, who leapt the advertising hoardings to celebrate in front of the fans, leads Roma's all-time appearance and goalscoring charts but claimed levelling the goal record against his side's fiercest rivals was his most cherished mark.

"I wanted (the record) so much. It is my most beautiful record," he told Sky Sport Italia.

Totti did admit, though, that failure to win left a sour taste.

Lazio was reduced to 10 men when Giuseppe Biava saw red on 69 minutes but the hosts failed to take advantage to leave them seventh, three points behind their city rivals.

"I wanted the win," said Totti, who drew a sharp low save from Lazio goalkeeper Federico Marchetti following a free-kick routine late on.

"We threw it away in the first half. Unfortunately we did not get into the game immediately and they put us under a lot of pressure."

Roma did ride its luck and could have been 2-0 down early in the second half only for Hernanes to put a penalty over the crossbar.

"Hernanes' miss changed the game and we did better after that," Totti said.

Roma coach Aurelio Andreazzoli was content with his side's fightback after Hernanes' miss in what was his first derby since replacing Zdenek Zeman in February.

"It was a great night, it's just a shame about the result," he said.

"I got a bit worried when they won the penalty which could have put them 2-0 ahead. It was good to see the team's reaction after that.

"It's a shame we were unable to give the fans the three points given all the chances we had."

Lazio coach Vladimir Petkovic refused to concede his side's Champions League hopes were over despite the draw leaving them seven points adrift of the qualification places.

"We showed a willingness to win, but unfortunately we could only get a draw," he told Sky Sport Italia.

"I see the glass as half full. I believe the Champions League is still possible."

Hernanes gave Lazio the lead in the 16th minute and he had the chance to double the lead early in the second half when he missed a penalty.

Roma levelled from the penalty spot through Francesco Totti and was given a numerical advantage when Giuseppe Biava was sent off in the 66th minute, but it failed to make the most of the extra man and had to settle for a draw; ultimately a fair result.

However, the point does neither side much of a favour in their respective push for a place in Europe next season.

Roma launched an early assault on the Lazio goal with Erik Lamela testing Federico Marchetti twice in the first few minutes.

Lazio weathered the storm, though, and a moment of inspiration from Hernanes gave it the lead in the 16th minute.

He received the ball at what seemed to be a safe distance from goal, but his arrowed shot into the top left-hand corner confirmed the opposite with Maarten Stekelenburg well beaten.

The goal gave Lazio confidence and Antonio Candreva tried to replicate from distance, but Stekelenburg got down to save at the second attempt.

Totti tested Marchetti again at the other end, but the Biancoceleste went into the break with a deserved lead.

They could have doubled it early in the second half but Hernanes sent his penalty wide after Senad Lulic handled the ball.

He could have been the visitor's hero with a second goal on the night, but shortly after, he became the villain when he committed a foul on Miralem Pjanic inside the penalty area.

Totti was more precise from the penalty spot, beating Marchetti to bring Roma level.

The pendulum swung back in Roma's favour and Totti nearly gave it the lead in the 64th minute, but Marchetti saved before denying Alessandro Florenzi on the rebound, and the Roma midfielder then lifted the second rebound over the crossbar.

Two minutes later, Biava was given his marching orders for a second yellow card, but paradoxically, Roma seemed to suffer more from having an extra man.

It was unable to impose itself on the game and, apart from a Totti free-kick which was saved low down by Marchetti, it never looked like grabbing a winner as Lazio ended the game on the attack.

The former Manchester City defender, 22, was withdrawn after 30 minutes of the 2-2 draw in Florence, with initial medical tests on Monday confirming damage to his thigh.

Montenegrin striker Jovetic, meanwhile, was expected to miss out against Milan after hurting his thigh against Cagliari, and his ill-fated start on Sunday resulted in his withdrawal at half-time.

A statement on the club's official website read: "Fiorentina announce that Stefan Savic has suffered flexor muscle damage to his thigh.

"At the same time Stefan Jovetic has experienced a recurrence of his recent thigh muscle injury.

"Both players will be subjected to diagnostic tests tomorrow."

Jovetic, 23, has scored 12 goals in 26 league appearances this season while Savic has established a solid partnership with Serbian Nenad Tomovic, who was sent off on Sunday, since leaving City last summer.

The 26-year-old was withdrawn after 29 minutes of Sunday's goalless draw at Catania after complaining of sharp pain when planting his studs in the turf.

A statement on the club's official website read: "Francesco Pisano has suffered a fracture to the fibula of his left leg.

"The prognosis will be better defined over the next few days but it is clear that the season is already over for the defender."

The Sardinian right-back has been a near ever-present for Cagliari this season, making 28 league appearances as Ivo Pulga's men continue to establish themselves in mid-table.

He said: "I felt my foot twist when blocking an opponent who was going to shoot and felt a sharp pain. I knew immediately it was something serious."

Goals from Goran Pandev and Blerim Dzemaili ensured the Azzurri remain within nine points of Serie A leaders Juventus - despite Edinson Cavani's missed penalty - with Milan now trailing by four points ahead of Sunday's meeting at San Siro.

Juve may well prove to be out of reach for Mazzarri's men with only seven games left to play, but guaranteeing a place in the Champions League group stages would represent another successful season in Campania.

He told sscnapoli.it: "We deserved to win, we are back to our level.

"We don't look at our opponents, we just have to concentrate on ourselves. We have won three matches in a row and that means a lot.

"We played a good game against Genoa because they had quality and physical strength, so our approach was the right one and we managed to make the most of our chances from the beginning.

"From [Monday] we will start thinking about AC Milan. You know that these kind of matches are unique and from a psychological point of view there is no need to talk about specific preparation.

"AC Milan have enjoyed a great revival and we are aware that this is going to be a tough game. We will have to be as brilliant and determined as we are now.

"Let's focus on these last few matches to emphasise our extraordinary season.

"We have got 14 points more than last year and we want to qualify for the Champions League again - that would be an extremely important achievement."

Genoa, however, is facing relegation to Serie B after slipping into the bottom three on the back of a fourth defeat in five games.

The Rossoblu is tied on 27 points with Siena and Palermo but has the poorest goal difference of the three.

Head coach Davide Ballardini told La Repubblica: "Have I had a vote of confidence? We've not talked about it.

"We've talked about the future in relaxed terms and about how we'll use the last few games to book our survival.

"Genoa are in good shape. The results have not been good but the overall state of things is fine. I am convinced Genoa have the means to get out of this situation."

With Inter leading 3-1 midway through the second half, thanks to Tommaso Rocchi's first goal for the Serie A club and a double from substitute Ricky Alvarez that followed Giacomo Bonaventura's equaliser, Gervasoni pointed to the spot in the 64th minute.

It was not immediately clear who had committed a foul in the Inter box but German Denis made no mistake with his penalty before completing his hat-trick inside 13 minutes.

Visiting midfielder Cristian Raimondi was then dismissed for elbowing with Ezequiel Schelotto, who ended the game by getting involved in a scuffle with his former Atalanta team-mates.

A furious Stramaccioni told inter.it: "The referee greatly influenced the outcome. He said it was for a handball by (Walter) Samuel.

"It turned out to be something that only the referee saw. I think Gervasoni, acting independently and on his own, influenced the outcome by seeing something that wasn't there. Something that never took place.

"We spent five minutes trying to understand what had happened. At one point on the bench we thought it was a foul by (Andrea) Ranocchia, but then the referee said it was a handball by Samuel.

"You cannot do this. You simply cannot. We already have our problems but... you cannot award a penalty like that.

"It's incredible to see a penalty like that given. We don't have the strength to overcome these kind of episodes."

The defeat left Inter in fifth place where it is eight points shy of city rivals AC Milan and the last Champions League qualifying spot.

Even more worrying for the hosts was the first-half withdrawal of forward Antonio Cassano with a leg injury - a move that saw attacking midfielder Alvarez pushed into an unorthodox partnership with Rocchi, who at 35 could now be Inter's only fit senior striker.

"Cassano? He still has to be examined," Stramaccioni added. "He did that back-heel and then felt a twinge. It's been an unlucky season.

"After (Rodrigo) Palacio's injury he was the only focal point in attack, but let's wait for the test results before we say anything else."

Atalanta boss Stefano Colantuono dedicated the unlikely triumph to former club president Ivan Ruggeri, who died on Saturday at the age of 68.

He told La Repubblica: "We dedicate this victory to president Ruggeri

"My main objective remains securing our survival so we can't celebrate this win too much yet. Let's survive first, then next year we can try and have another good season."

The Italy striker was caught smoking a cigarette in the bathroom on a train carrying his AC Milan squad to face Fiorentina, with club vice-president Adriano Galliani saying Balotelli would be fined.

Coaches have been trying to get Balotelli to quit smoking for years and the practice is banned on Italian trains.

Balotelli should have plenty of time to mull over his latest act of misbehaviour as he picked up a yellow card in the 2-2 draw with Fiorentina which rules him out of this weekend's showdown with Napoli, the team Milan is trying to catch for second place and a direct UEFA Champions League berth.

Besides his numerous run-ins with coaches, Balotelli has a history of off-pitch misbehaviour.

He made light of his troubles in 2011 when he was with Manchester City by unveiling a T-shirt with the slogan 'Why Always Me?' during a 6-1 rout of Manchester United in a Premier League derby.

That came after news emerged that a fire had broken out at his house when fireworks were let off in his bathroom.

Balotelli escaped punishment earlier in 2011 after throwing a dart at a City youth-team player. No one was hurt in the incident.

Goals from Goran Pandev and Blerim Dzemaili earned Walter Mazzarri's side all three points at the Stadio San Paolo with Edinson Cavani seeing his penalty saved.

Napoli reduced the arrears on Juve, which beat Pescara 2-1 the previous night, to nine points with seven games of the season left but, perhaps more importantly, it increased its advantage over AC Milan.

Massimiliano Allegri's Milan fell foul of a spirited recovery from 10-man Fiorentina, which earned a priceless point from a 2-2 draw in Tuscany.

Riccardo Montolivo put the visitor in front before Nenad Tomovic was given his marching orders.

Things looked grim for La Viola when Mathieu Flamini doubled Milan's lead, but penalties from Adem Ljajic and David Pizarro salvaged a point for Vincenzo Montella's side, which remain six points behind its opponent.

Inter Milan is a further two points behind after a second-half hat-trick from German Denis saw 10-man Atalanta triumph 4-3 in a frenetic game at San Siro.

Veteran Tommaso Rocchi opened his account for the club in a tame first half before Ricky Alvarez cancelled out Giacomo Bonaventura's equaliser with a quickfire brace.

But Denis promptly added two classy goals to a dubious penalty to fire Atalanta into 13th place and leave Inter's fans opened mouthed before La Dea's Cristian Raimondi saw red late on.

There was a new twist in the battle to avoid the drop as Siena and Palermo joined Genoa in a three-way tie for 17th place.

Genoa's defeat at Napoli saw it drop to second from bottom on goal difference with the Bianconeri and Rosanero matching them on 27 points thanks to mixed results.

Siena's point came from a goalless home draw with Parma, which remains 10th, while Palermo pulled off a surprise 3-1 win at Sampdoria.

Steve Von Bergen scored first at the Marassi with Josip Ilicic and Santiago Garcia making Gianni Munari's effort for Samp an irrelevance.

The win was Palermo's first away from home since victory at Bologna in April last year and increases its chances of remaining in the top flight for a 10th consecutive season.

Antonio Di Natale, meanwhile, returned to scoring form as his two goals guided Udinese to a 3-1 win over 16th-placed Chievo.

Di Natale scored twice in five first-half minutes before Paul Papp pulled one back, only for Mehdi Benatia to seal victory at the death.

Udinese remains ninth, one point behind Catania, which was held to a goalless draw in Sicily by 11th-placed Cagliari.

The Bianconeri was made to wait for its latest success, which moves it 12 points clear of second-placed Napoli, with Mirko Vucinic firing in a 72nd-minute penalty after Giuseppe Rizzo saw red.

Vucinic added the second moments later and was promptly substituted by boss Antonio Conte ahead of the midweek UEFA Champions League quarter-final, second leg against Bayern Munich.

But Juve was made to sweat as Emmanuel Cascione curled in a stunning effort - Pescara's first shot on target - with seven minutes left.

Rolando Bianchi's stoppage-time equaliser grabbed a 2-2 draw for Torino at Bologna.

Paulo Vitor Barreto sent Torino ahead on 25 minutes but Bologna looked like it had grabbed the game away after the break.

Panagiotis Kone levelled on 65 minutes before substitute Tiberio Guarente seemingly won it with four minutes left. But Bianchi popped up late to share the points.

Argentine international Palacio scored a brace on Thursday (AEDT) as Inter claimed a precious 2-0 win away to Sampdoria in a fixture that had been postponed from 17 March.

The Nerazzurri host Atalanta on Monday but Palacio looks likely to play no part after he hobbled out of training on Friday clutching the back of his left thigh.

Palacio went immediately for scans and Inter later confirmed: "Rodrigo Palacio underwent scans which showed a muscular problem in the posterior region of the left thigh."

Reports in Italy are already speculating that Palacio, who with 12 goals is Inter's top scorer this season in the absence of already-injured compatriot Diego Milito, could miss several of his side's remaining eight games.

Inter currently sits in fifth place, 18 points behind champion and leader Juventus and seven points adrift of city rival AC Milan, which occupies the third and last possible qualifying spot for next season's UEFA Champions League.

With an all-Roman Coppa Italia final still a possibility should Roma overcome Inter Milan in a delayed semi-final second leg, which takes place almost three months after Lazio ousted Juventus inside a week, Monday evening's (Tuesday morning AEST) meeting might not be the final opportunity to claim bragging rights in the Eternal City.

But the league games are running out for Lazio to close a seven-point gap on third-placed AC Milan, with Roma a further three points behind after its shock defeat at Palermo and looking to remedy both matters at the Stadio Olimpico.

A fourth consecutive derby victory for Lazio - after it emerged a 3-2 victor in November - could see it leapfrog Inter and possibly Fiorentina into fourth place, with both northern clubs facing tricky tests.

The Nerazzurri is hoping to build on its midweek 2-0 win at Sampdoria when mid-table Atalanta visits the San Siro, while Fiorentina hosts a Milan side with ambitions of finishing in the top two.

La Viola boss Vincenzo Montella said: "The Italian league is extremely difficult and there are always surprises around the corner.

"We must rediscover our best football and the best of Fiorentina. There are a lot of different games between now and the end of the season and our objective hasn't changed."

The trip to Florence is the first of three daunting fixtures for the Rossoneri, with second-placed Napoli and league leader Juventus next on the agenda.

Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri said: "The team is improving before we go into three tough matches with a good lead over fourth place. All that counts for Milan is continuing down this path."

The top two both face struggling sides as Pescara heads to the Juventus Stadium six points shy of safety and without a win in 11 games, while Napoli welcomes 17th-placed Genoa, which is just one point clear of Siena.

The Bianconeri hosts an improving Parma side at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, with 19th-placed Palermo buoyed by its surprise 2-0 win over Roma and hoping to close a three-point gap on Genoa with victory at Sampdoria.

Elsewhere, ambitious Catania hosts Cagliari, which announced its decision to leave the Stadio Is Arenas this week, with Chievo nine points clear of danger as it travels to Udinese.

Torino surrendered its 3-2 lead on Napoli to lose 5-3 last weekend and so a better outcome will be required at Bologna's Renato Dall'Ara.

The Report Calcio, which studied figures from the 2011-2012 season, shows a 1.6 per cent drop, roughly equal to 200,000 spectators, in the number of Serie A spectators compared to the previous season.

Serie B, meanwhile, is in comparatively better health, attracting 22.8 per cent more spectators in 2011-2012, according to the FIGC study being conducted for the third consecutive year by the Research and Legislation Agency AREL.

From match-fixing scandals that have left a huge stain on Serie A to racism that blights several clubs, Italian football has suffered internally over the years but has also fallen victim to the growing popularity of leagues in England, Spain and Germany.

The widespread availability of pay-per-view or satellite television is believed to be a factor in the decrease in attendances at many stadiums.

Television rights make up 43 per cent of clubs' revenues, compared with ticket sales, which account for nine per cent.

The report claims the decline of many stadia in Italy is a significant factor.

Of the 36 stadiums used by clubs in Serie A and B, 'many are ageing and do not meet the lowest criteria set out by European football's governing body UEFA'.

Only one top flight club, Juventus, has a purpose-built stadium based on those found in abundance in England and Germany. Many of the rest are owned by local councils.

"Compared to our European competitors, our Achilles heel is our stadia," said AREL secretary-general Enrico Letta.

"When it comes to ticket sales, Germany is well ahead and that has a direct effect on sporting results."

Earlier in the week Italian champion Juventus suffered a 2-0 defeat in the first leg of its UEFA Champions League quarter-final to Bayern Munich, which is enjoying a stellar season in the Bundesliga.

"You just have to look at the results from the Champions League earlier this week," he said.

FIGC president Giancarlo Abete said potential for growth was hindered by the fact that many clubs do not own their stadium: "Revenue from ticket sales is on the decrease, so there is huge potential for growth.

"In Italy, stadiums are often owned by local councils, and many have other problems to deal with (than filling stadiums).

"Clubs who have built new stadiums have witnessed exponential growth."

Emanuele Grasso of financial audit company Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC), said: "Up until 2007 the big Italian clubs could keep pace with their European rivals."

Underlining average attendances of 22,000 per match in Serie A compared to an average of 44,000 in the Bundesliga, he said: "Now, they're lagging behind."

While Italy in general is considered to be hovering near to financial crisis, Italian football clubs are being managed more efficiently.

Revenues for the 2011-2012 season rose seven per cent compared to the previous season to 2.7 billion euros ($3.35 billion).

Serie A is still in the red, but while '388 million euros in debt' at the end of the 2011-2012 season, according to PWC, it has improved on the debt of 430 million euros ($533.68 million) recorded a year earlier.

The Argentinian scored twice in Inter's 2-0 Serie A victory at Sampdoria to bring his personal tally up to 18 goals, meaning his absence for the season run-in could prove crucial to Inter's chances of securing UEFA Champions League football for next season.

A statement published on inter.it read: "Rodrigo Palacio has undergone medical examinations which have revealed a muscular problem to the back of his left thigh."

Club doctors will conduct further tests on the former Genoa player to confirm the extent of the injury and establish a likely prognosis for his recovery.

The 31-year-old joins countryman Diego Milito, who will miss the rest of the season with a leg injury, on the sidelines, leaving Tommaso Rocchi and Antonio Cassano as the club's only fit senior strikers.

Inter is currently fifth in the Serie A table and seven points shy of third-placed AC Milan ahead of this weekend's meeting with Atalanta at the San Siro, with games against Roma, Napoli and Lazio forming part of the eight-game run-in.

The island club this week backed out of a three-year deal with the town of Quartu Sant'Elena, where it has built stands for about 16,000 fans around an existing minor league pitch.

Club president Massimo Cellino and four public administrators of Quartu, which is adjacent to Cagliari, were arrested in February on charges of embezzlement and forgery of documents. They are currently under house arrest.

Few games were played with fans in the stands as authorities blocked or limited access due to lack of safety measures and because the stadium borders on a natural reserve.

President Massimo Cellino encouraged fans to attend a game against Roma in late September despite a police ban, forcing the abandonment of the fixture as Roma was awarded a 3-0 walkover victory.

The remaining four home games of the current season will be played on a neutral pitch that has not yet been chosen. The club played the closing home games of last season in Trieste after deciding to abandon the Sant'Elia stadium in Cagliari.

Cagliari is said to be looking for a location on the island.

Former Genoa striker Palacio scored in the 43rd minute of the match - which had been postponed two weeks ago due to heavy snowfall at the Marassi - and again in stoppage-time to move Inter up to fifth - seven points shy of third-placed AC Milan with eight games left.

Samp, meanwhile, slipped one position to 13th but stayed 10 points clear of the relegation zone having enjoyed several promising chances until Inter shut up shop for much of the second half.

The first 45 minutes were dominated by Sampdoria but punctuated with several dangerous Inter raids which would ultimately yield a goal just before the break.

Gianluca Sansone's flying header from a Lorenzo De Silvestri cross showed Samp meant business in the early exchanges before Palacio burst through to win a corner with an angled drive.

The Argentinian then latched onto Antonio Cassano's weighted ball forward to ripple the side-netting, but he had been a yard offside.

This was an excellent chance for Inter's scouts to watch Samp's nine-goal striker - and rumoured transfer target - Mauro Icardi up close and he did not disappoint, first heading just over the bar before Samir Handanovic struggled to save his header from a Sansone corner.

Nenad Krsticic went even closer as he cut inside to test Handanovic with a left-footed effort but Samp would live to regret its missed chances.

In the 43rd minute, Palacio broke forward again, on this occasion timing his run perfectly to nick in between the centre-backs and head Alvaro Pereira's cross into the back of the net.

A quiet restart built steadily until Palacio came knocking in the 56th minute, but Shkrodan Mustafi took the ball off his feet at the critical moment.

The introduction of Maxi Lopez for the struggling Sansone freed Samp up in the final third for a hectic period and it was Pedro Obiang who finally found space to test Handanovic.

Inter's priority, though, was preserving its lead and, when midfielder Zdravko Kuzmanovic replaced Cassano, it was clear the final 20 minutes would not be pretty.

The Nerazzurri rode out several Samp raids until breaking forward at speed two minutes into time added on, with Palacio coolly ending the match as a contest from a one-on-one with Sergio Romero.

The 33-year-old striker suffered a season-ending knee ligament injury in February when playing against CFR Cluj in the UEFA Europa League, but he has been able to take another step forward in his recovery.

Defender Cristian Chivu and midfielder Dejan Stankovic were also among the group of players taking part as they too work back from injuries.

Argentina midfielder Esteban Cambiasso joined the group despite being suspended for the game.