Surprise Serie A leader Lazio's advantage at the top of Serie A was extended to four points after second-placed Inter Milan was held to a 1-1 draw by Sampdoria in driving rain at the San Siro.

Samuel Eto'o poked in the lively Coutinho's cross 10 minutes from time, his 15th goal in 13 club games this term, to hand the Italian champion a deserved point in the late game after many chances.

Stefano Guberti had put Sampdoria ahead midway through the second half when Julio Cesar failed to keep out his acrobatic effort after Antonio Cassano had escaped the referee's whistle when robbing Cristian Chivu of the ball.

The downpour was so heavy that Sampdoria's white shirts became almost see-through while Inter coach Rafael Benitez was constantly wiping his glasses as play became difficult.

Wesley Sneijder, who is stalling on a new contract amid interest from the likes of Manchester United, had a rare off day for the treble winners who still lack options from the bench given Diego Milito's injury.

AC Milan can cut Lazio's lead to two points if it wins at Napoli without the injured Ronaldinho in a match scheduled for later yesterday.

AS Roma drew 0-0 at bottom side Parma and visiting captain Francesco Totti was substituted at halftime - a result which will increase pressure on embattled coach Claudio Ranieri.

Roma's sporting director Daniele Prade defended the coach.

"He has our unlimited confidence, we haven't searched for anyone else," Prade said, adding that the club's relationship with Ranieri is based on "respect and friendship."

A mini-revival from fifth-placed Juventus ended when it was also held to a goalless stalemate at Bologna where Vincenzo Iaquinta had a penalty saved by Italy keeper Emiliano Viviano. The hosts felt justice had been done on 36 minutes after winger Milos Krasic went down in the area despite replays showing no contact with Daniele Portanova.

Chievo moved up to fourth after a last-gasp 2-1 win over Cesena while Genoa is ninth with a 1-0 win over Catania and Lecce lies 10th after a 2-1 comeback success downed Brescia.

Improving Udinese beat inconsistent Palermo 2-1.