Milan - Title holders Inter Milan won 2-0 against Atalanta Sunday to retain their four-point lead at the top of the Serie A standings over Roma with six games to go.

Roma edged Genoa 3-2 Saturday keeping up a pursuit that saw them reduce an 11-point gap as Inter slowed down the impressive pace displayed in the first half of the season.

In Bergamo there was no marked game improvement for Inter, who, however, resumed winning after two draws and a loss through goals from veteran Patrick Vieira and the young Mario Balotelli.

Atalanta beat AC Milan 2-1 a week ago and produced a brisk start against Inter, but did not create any telling chance in the first half, save a wide shot from Ferreira Pinto.

Esteban Cambiasso fired high for Inter on 11 minutes before the towering Vieira headed home a corner kick triggering the fierce protests of Atalanta defenders claiming a foul from the Frenchman.

Sergio Floccari opened the second half for Atalanta aiming a feeble drive and a header, but Inter controlled the game until the 17-year-old Balotelli secured a crucial win finishing off a counter attack.

"It was a good game on a difficult pitch against an in-form team. My men did not leave too much room to Atalanta and Vieira did a great goal.

"Balotelli is very young and he doesn't have too many worries, so it was natural for him to play a good game."

Milan beat troubled visitors Cagliari 3-1 Saturday, but remained four points behind Fiorentina, who Sunday beat bottom side Reggina 2- 0 to retain the fourth available Champions League berth.

Catania welcomed new coach Walter Zenga moving away from the danger zone through a 3-0 hammering of Napoli and Empoli also improved a troubled position winning 1-0 at Torino.

Empoli also changed coach this week recalling Luigi Cagni to replace Alberto Malesani, who had taken over in mid-season.

Udinese drew 1-1 at Siena, Lazio drew 2-2 at lowly Parma and Sampdoria beat struggling Livorno 2-0, while Palermo welcome third- placed Juventus in a late game. (dpa)