Turin, Italy (SportsNetwork.com) - Juventus moved nine points clear at the top of Serie A on Sunday after easing to a 3-1 victory over Inter Milan in the latest edition of the Derby d'Italia at Juventus Stadium.
After a disappointing 1-1 draw with Lazio last time out, Juventus looked to get back on the winning track against one of its biggest rivals and didn't waste much time in taking control of the match.
Just 16 minutes into the game, the hosts opened the scoring with style as veteran midfield maestro Andrea Pirlo sent a half-volley through ball over the top of the Inter back line and right on the head of Stephan Lichtsteiner, who nodded it into the bottom left corner.
Just two minutes into the second half, the two-time defending champions doubled their advantage after a failed clearance from Inter came right back into the penalty area where Giorgio Chiellini smashed one home.
Eight minutes later Arturo Vidal made it 3-0 for the hosts before Inter Milan pulled one back 18 minutes from time through Rolando to give the visitors some hope.
Inter continued to push forward and Rodrigo Palacio had a handful of excellent opportunities to pull his side even closer, but Juve's back line held firm to collect all three points.
The result leaves Inter Milan in sixth place in Serie A on 33 points.
Also in Serie A on Sunday, Atalanta came away with a shock 3-0 victory over Napoli at the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia.
German Denis opened the scoring for the home side two minutes into the second half and completed his double 23 minutes from time before Maximiliano Moralez put the result away with a goal in the 70th minute to push the home side to 12th place on 27 points.
In a battle of the bottom two clubs, Catania and Livorno played to a thrilling 3-3 stalemate at the Stadio Angelo Massimino. Innocent Emeghara struck first for Livorno in the 50th minute, but was quickly answered by a goal from Gonzalo Bergessio.
Paulo Betanin converted a penalty in the 71st minute for a 2-1 Livorno lead, but four minutes later Catania responded with a goal from Pablo Barrientos. Emeghara scored in the 77th minute to give the visitors a lead for the third time, but Sergio Almiron found an equalizer two minutes from time.
Antonio Candreva and Keita scored on either side of the intermission as Lazio eased to a 2-0 result over Chievo, while Luca Toni's 86th minute goal proved to be the difference as Hellas Verona held out for a 2-1 win against Sassuolo at the Stadio Alberto Braglia.
Sunday's final Serie A match between AS Roma and Parma was suspended after 12 minutes.
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