AS ROMA took a big step forward in their drive for a surprise Serie A title yesterday when they beat relegation-threatened visitors Atalanta 2-1 to take the top spot from champions Inter Milan.
Mirko Vucinic’s and Marco Cassetti’s first-half goals put Roma on 68 points, one more than Inter, who drew 2-2 at Fiorentina on Saturday as their domestic form falters under the stress of reaching the Champions League semi-finals.
Third-placed AC Milan’s title hopes diminished after they slipped four points off the pace with five games to go despite coming from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at home with Catania thanks to Marco Borriello’s double.
The title race is far from settled but the leadership change still marks a remarkable reversal.
Inter had been in sole command since October and looked to be cruising to a fifth straight scudetto in mid-February when they led by nine points.
By contrast, Roma have rallied after they were in seeming disarray early in the season when Claudio Ranieri replaced Luciano Spalletti.
Vucinic put them ahead on 12 minutes with the help of a blunder by Atalanta goalkeeper Andrea Consigli, who allowed a direct shot to slip through his grip.
Cassetti headed in a Francesco Totti cross in the 27th as Roma extended their unbeaten league run to 23 matches.
Fourth-placed Palermo strengthened their bid for the final Champions League place when Fabrizio Miccoli struck twice to beat Chievo Verona 3-1 at home.
