ROME, Oct. 16 (Xinhua) -- Nicolo Barella took center stage on Sunday, scoring one and setting up another to help Inter Milan beat Salernitana 2-0 in Serie A.
Coming off a midweek 3-3 draw with Barcelona in the Champions League, the Nerazzurri needed a win to maintain their Serie A title challenge.
Lautaro Martinez sent Inter ahead in the 14th minute, as the Argentine collected the ball from Barella before unleashing a missile which bobbled in front of the goalkeeper and went into the net.
Barella got himself on the scoresheet in the 58th minute when he gathered Hakan Calhanoglu's long pass over the top, before breaking loose from a defender and drilling home.
It was a good day for both Milan-based clubs, as AC Milan sailed to a 2-1 victory over Hellas Verona. The win, coupled with Lazio's draw with Udinese, sent the Rossoneri to third on 23 points.
Elsewhere, Napoli maintained their top position after a 3-2 narrow win over Bologna, and Spezia shared the spoils with Cremonese in a 2-2 draw. ■
