Sampdoria arrived at San Siro prepared to defend and to play for a draw. Despite needing an equalizer in the second half, it was unable to create any serious scoring chances until the very end, when Julio Cesar had to be alert to stop Daniele Dessena's shot.

Stankovic and Sulley Muntari both tried their luck from long range in the second half, but their efforts never looked likely to extend Inter's lead.

From the team's point of view, Mourinho was satisfied with the outcome.

"Now I am happy, we moved on and got three points," he said. "It was a difficult match and I'm pleased with the way we've played. We wanted to play well and get through this tough period."

Roma faced few problems at Napoli and moved into the European qualification places for the first time this season with a 3-0 win.

Central defenders Philippe Mexes and Juan scored near identical headers from David Pizarro crosses and they were untroubled throughout the match by Napoli's strike pair of Marcelo Zalayeta and Ezequiel Lavezzi.

Roma's Mirko Vucinic sealed the result in the second half, capitalizing on hesitation in Napoli's defense to score from Alberto Aquilani's through pass.

"It's an important victory. It was difficult, a stadium where few teams have won. No one except for us last year," Roma captain Daniele De Rossi said. "Also the other teams' results have been good for us.

"If we had come here at the start of the season we would probably have taken a couple of blows, but we are a good team and when we are in good condition we can win anywhere."

In Rome, Lazio lost 4-1 to Cagliari despite making a perfect start when captain Tommaso Rocchi put them ahead in the third minute. However, that spurred Cagliari into action and they hit back with four goals before halftime.

Brazilian striker Jeda scored two quick goals to put Cagliari into the lead and strike partner Robert Aquafresca held his nerve to score from the penalty spot after Lazio goalkeeper Juan Carrizo had brought down Michele Fini.

Alessandro Matri added the fourth just before halftime.

In the second half, both Rocchi and Mauro Zarate missed penalties and substitute Fabio Firmani was sent off for protesting.

Lazio coach Delio Rossi did little to hide his anger, saying his team deserved the supporters' whistles as they walked off the field.

"Taking nothing away from Cagliari's great performance, Lazio simply weren't there," Rossi said. "We gave away four goals and it could have been double if they hadn't made mistakes."

Also yesterday, it was: Genoa 1, Catania 1; Lecce 3, Torino 3; Palermo 3, Udinese 2; and Siena 1, Atalanta 0.

(Agencies via Shanghai Daily January 26, 2009)