Serie A: Lazio 3 Inter Milan 1

Lazio kept pace with Serie A leaders AC Milan after an impressive 3-1 victory over reigning champions Inter Milan in Rome on Friday.

Edoardo Reja’s side were dominant for the outset at the Stadio Olimpico, taking advantage of an under-manned Inter outfit that was missing the likes of Samuel Eto’o and Diego Milito through suspension and injury respectively.

Inter struggled early and Lazio took a deserved lead when defender Giuseppe Biava scored a bizarre goal.

Biava’s initial header was superbly saved by Inter goalkeeper Luca Castellazzi, but an attempted clearance struck Biava’s torso and bounced in.

Mauro Zarate added to the lead seven minutes after half-time with a well-composed finish which looked to have killed off the game.

But a goal from former Lazio striker Goran Pandev gave Inter some drive, setting the match up for a thrilling finish.

Despite some late attacking thrusts Inter could not manage an equaliser, allowing Lazio’s new signing, Hernanes, to seal the result with an 89th minute goal – his second in as many matches.

The win means Lazio join Milan at the top of the Serie A table on 30 points, with Massimiliano Allegri’s side, who play Catania on Saturday, ahead on goal difference.

Inter remain in sixth but could be overtaken by Roma this weekend.