Federico Gatti's own goal gives league leader Inter Milan a vital win in Derby d'Italia against Juventus.
ROME, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- Inter Milan extended its lead atop the Serie A standings, clinching a 1-0 win over Juventus in Sunday's eagerly awaited Derby d'Italia, courtesy of an own goal by Federico Gatti.
Entering the San Siro with a slender one-point advantage and riding a wave of five straight wins across all competitions, Inter faced a Juventus side unbeaten since last September. However, Juventus struggled to match Inter's intensity in this critical Scudetto battle.
The game's decisive moment came in the 37th minute when Nicolo Barella's pass prompted Gatti to inadvertently direct the ball into his own net, under pressure from Marcus Thuram.
The home side had the chance to extend the lead in the 58th minute, but Hakan Calhanoglu saw his drilled shot hit the post, while Juve's goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny made a fine save to prevent Marko Arnautovic from tapping it in.
With a game in hand, Inter Milan is four points clear of second-placed Juventus, while AC Milan ranks third with 49 points.
Also on Sunday, Napoli came from behind to beat Hellas Verona 2-1, with Napoli's new winter signing Cyril Ngonge scoring against his old club.
Elsewhere, Atalanta dominated Lazio 3-1, Torino shared the spoils with Salernitana at 0-0. ■
