Leaders Inter maintained their two-point lead over their closest rivals in a dramatic evening in Italy.

At San Siro, Inter's Thiago Motta scored an own goal on 13 minutes, only for Andrea Mantovani to return the favor seconds later.

The Nerazzurri then hammered their visitors with three goals from Esteban Cambiasso, Diego Milito and Mario Balotelli.

But Chievo scored two quickfire goals from Pablo Granoche and Sergio Pellisier to provide a little scare for the defending champions.

Amid Chievo's revival, Cagliari stunned Roma at the Olimpico with a freekick from Andrea Lazzari.

But Francesco Totti, who was sent off in the cup final against Inter last week, scored twice on 79 and 83 minutes to put Roma back in contention.

Next week, Inter visit relegated Siena as Roma play at Chievo.