Inter extend lead despite draw as Juve lose

By Paul Virgo

ROME (Reuters) - Inter Milan went 10 points clear in Serie A despite being held 2-2 at home by Palermo Saturday after a controversial goal contributed to second-placed Juventus losing 3-2 at Genoa.

With seven games to go, even victory over champions Inter in Turin next weekend looks unlikely to re-open the title race for Juve, who also dropped points last weekend when they were held at home by Chievo Verona.

Brazilian midfielder Thiago Motta drove in Genoa's opening goal in the 29th minute but Juve protested furiously as the referee had blown up for a foul on his team mate Giandomenico Mesto just before the ball went in.

Alessandro Del Piero levelled in the 44th with a spot-kick, although defender Matteo Ferrari seemed to play the ball before making contact with the Juve captain, but Motta headed in from a corner for his second goal just before the break.

Vincenzo Iaquinta scored a late equaliser for the visitors, who had Mauro Camoranesi sent off for a dangerous tackle in the 65th, before former Juve forward Raffaele Palladino snatched victory for the hosts two minutes from time.

Earlier, Palermo's Edinson Cavani and Davide Succi struck within two minutes of each other in the second half to pull off a stunning comeback after a Mario Balotelli header and a soft Zlatan Ibrahimovic penalty had put Inter 2-0 up in the first.

"The first half was one of the best we've played at the San Siro, we could have scored more," Inter coach Jose Mourinho told Sky television.

"The second was completely different. Maybe we mistakenly thought the game was over."