Rome  - Young Argentine Mauro Zarate scored the winner for Lazio Saturday as the side from the capital won 1-0 away to Genoa in a Serie A weekend opener.

The defeat, which they suffered after a four-win run topped by a 3-2 success at Juventus, could be crucial for Genoa in the race for a fourth available Champions League berth.

Fifth-placed Fiorentina trail Genoa two points adrift and can leapfrog them when they play Sunday at Udinese.

The hosts had their best chances in the early minutes through a header from defender Giuseppe Biava that Fernando Muslera incredibly managed to slap away.

The Uruguay's goalkeeper watched the ball fly wide on a drive from forward Giuseppe Sculli and made a second good save on 33 minutes to deflect Domenico Criscito's fast drive.

The Rome guests struggled in midfield, but gradually improved and threatened on 27 minutes with a central drive from Macedonia striker Goran Pandev, who had a piercing spurt blocked with courage by Brazilian goalkeeper Rubinho.

A missed chance by Sculli closed the first half as the diminutive striker perfectly controlled a long feed, but dithered to allow the Lazio custodian's save.

Another long pass triggered Zarate's goal on 65 minutes when the fast forward stormed on the right flank to beat Rubinho with a low drive by the far post.

The Argentine came again face to face with Rubinho on 71 minutes, but this time the Brazilian managed to block him before he fired into the empty net.

A high-voltage classic tie takes place later Saturday at Turin's Stadio Olimpico where second-place Juventus welcome leaders Inter Milan, who have little to risk as they hold a 10-point advantage with seven games left. (dpa)