Rome - Struggling Serie A side Torino took home one point from Lazio Saturday, holding the Rome side to a 1-1 draw after taking a first-half lead.

Ignazio Abate, an international defender with Italy's youth team, livened up a dull first half at 36 minutes, drilling a smashing drive into the lower-left corner after seizing a short clearance from Ousmane Dabo.

The Rome hosts saw a first chance go begging at 44 minutes as defender Sebastiano Siviglia had his close-range shot blocked by goalkeeper Matteo Sereni with the tip of his boot.

Jeers from the home fans accompanied Lazio to the changing rooms after their dull first half, but Lazio returned on the pitch with renewed energies and managed to equalize with 15 minutes left.

Sereni saved Torino when, at 58 minutes, he had to rush outside his area to block a break from Pasquale Foggia. However, he capitulated when Siviglia nodded home after Stefano Mauri botched an overhead kick.

The draw ends a bad run of four straight defeats for Lazio, which remains relatively safe at mid-table. Torino remains third from last in the relegation zone.

Later Saturday, mid-table Napoli welcomes Bologna, a promoted side struggling just two points above the drop zone.

Leaders Inter Milan and AC Milan highlight the weekend late Sunday in a high-voltage city derby that offers the Devils a last chance to remain in contention for the title.

Inter have 53 points from 23 games, with Milan trailing at 45. Separately, second-place Juventus, at 46 points, welcomes Sampdoria earlier Sunday. (dpa)