Inter Milan moved a step closer towards a second successive Serie A title following a 2-1 victory at Livorno, while second-placed Roma were held to a 1-1 draw by relegation-threatened Ascoli on Saturday. The Italian giants are in charge of the league table with 70 points, extending their lead over Roma to a massive 16 points. Serbian midfielder Dejan Stankovic could have put Inter in front after 22 minutes, but his effort came off the post. It was Livorno who opened the score line in the 27th minute when skipper Cristiano Lucarelli curled a brilliant free kick into the left corner of Julio Cesar's net. Inter needed just eight minutes to level the score through Julio Cruz who splendidly converted Zlatan Ibrahimovic's superb back-heel pass into the back of the net
Roma's title hopes almost faded Ibrahimovic sealed the win for the Nerazzurri six minutes past the hour mark when his free-kick took a slight deflection and went past Livorno keeper. Brazilian full-back Maicon will miss the derby clash against AC Milan next week after he was sent-off late in the game for sarcastically applauding the referee after committing a foul. Elsewhere, Roma avoided a surprise at bottom Ascoli where they were held to a 1-1 draw. Andrea Soncin gave Ascoli the lead after 31 minutes, showing great persistence as turned around to slot the ball pat Roma's keeper Gianluca Curci despite receiving a knock. The equalizer came six minutes from time through Christian Wilhelmsson as he made no mistake from the rebound after Francisco Tavano's initial effort was blocked by the keeper.
