Rome  - Inter Milan stretched their lead in the Italian Serie A Saturday courtesy of a 2-1 victory over Bologna in a slow-paced game that allowed Jose Mourinho's side conserve some energy for this week's Champions League clash with Manchester United.

Argentine Esteban Cambiasso and substitute Mario Balotelli scored in the second half to sink the central-Italy hosts, who managed to briefly equalize but lie now just above the drop zone.

The win moves Inter 12 points clear of Juventus, who have the chance to reduce the gap when they visit Sicily side Palermo in a night game.

Swedish ace Zlatan Ibrahimovic was Inter's most dangerous player in the first half hour, first sending in a low drive on four minutes that was saved by Francesco Antonioli before setting up a chance for Ghana's Muntary Sulley, who fired high on 21 minutes.

Midfielder Cristian Zenoni on nine minutes tried from the distance for Bologna, but Julio Cesar parried his effort and was there to prevent a header from Serie A top striker Marco Di Vaio.

The reigning champions failed to up their tempo in the second half but still went in front on 57 minutes through Cambiasso.

Bologna levelled matters on 79 minutes as Uruguayan defender Miguel Britos headed home from a corner but the lead only lasted three minutes as Balotelli netted a lucky winner when his free kick from the left found its way in off the far post.

A last incredible save from Julio Cesar off a Di Vaio header closed a game that offered its best in the last quarter of hour.

The win pushed Inter on to 59 points from 25 games. Apart from Juve's tie with Palermo, Roma play a later game at home to Siena. The side from the capital visit Arsenal Tuesday, while Juve play at Chelsea on Wednesday. (dpa)