Javier Zanetti scored his first Serie A goal in four years to lead Inter Milan to an easy 2-0 win over Ascoli at the Giuseppe Meazza on Sunday. The Argentinean international broke the deadlock late in the first-half before an own goal by Mirko Cudini sealed the victory for the Nerazzurri. The third successive League victory for Inter maintained their position on top of the Serie A table with 24 points, while Ascoli lie 17th on four points. Domenico Giampa almost stunned the home crowd in the 21st minute when he was found unmarked inside the area following an error by Inter full-back Fabio Grosso, but his shot went over the bar. Inter, motivated by their derby win over arch-rivals Milan and midweek UEFA Champions League victory over Spartak Moscow, were ahead through Zanetti four minutes before the break. Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic raced down the left flank before sending a back cross to Hernan Crespo, whose shot was tapped home from close-range by Zanetti, who last scored against Empoli in November 2002. Eight minutes after re-start, Cudini misdirected Luis Figo's low cross into his own net as the matter worsened for Ascoli.
Palermo Ascoli had a chance to pull one back five minutes past the hour mark when they were awarded a penalty after Maicon handled the ball inside the area. Michele Fini stepped-up but his shot was saved by Inter Brazilian keeper Julio Cesar. Elsewhere, Palermo continued the race on the Serie A summit after beating Sampdoria 2-0 at home. Eugenio Corini opened the score line in the 35th minute before Cristian Zaccardo ensured the win in the 70th minute. Palermo are second with 24 points, behind Inter on goal difference. In other match, AC Milan woes continued after slumping to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Atalanta. Nicola Ventola put the hosts ahead four minutes after the interval and Soncin added the second in stoppage time.
