Inter Milan extended their lead at the top of Serie A to eight points after beating Fiorentina at the San Siro.
A penalty from Diego Milito five minutes from time earned the Nerazzurri all three points after the Viola had gone close to scoring with Alberto Gilardino hitting the post.
Inter also had a Walter Samuel goal harshly ruled out in an evenly-contested game which could have gone either way, but finished in favour of the defending champions.
The result saw Jose Mourinho's side take another step closer to yet another title as they opened up an eight-point lead over Juventus, their opponents next Saturday.
Mourinho sprang a surprise in his team selection by leaving Mario Balotelli out of his squad completely, instead fielding Ricardo Quaresma in a three-man attack alongside Milito and Samuel Eto'o.
Stevan Jovetic was on the bench for Fiorentina as he made his return from injury.
Mourinho was criticised for his tactics in the 2-0 defeat to Barcelona in midweek, but his choice of Quaresma looked to be spot on.
The Portuguese winger was Inter's most dangerous player early on with a succession of crosses causing panic in the Fiorentina penalty area.
Milito had the chance to put Inter ahead in the 15th minute when he was put through on goal by Dejan Stankovic, but Sebastien Frey denied him in a one-on-one situation.
Quaresma was not only causing problems with his crosses, but he expressed his shooting prowess with two volleys which went close.
At the other end, Juan Vargas was doing all he could to inspire Fiorentina to success as the visitors also had their chances at a rain-swept San Siro.
The home side thought they have gone ahead in the 51st minute when Samuel headed a corner past Frey, but referee Antonio Damato ruled the goal out, saying he had fouled Dario Dainelli as they challenged for the ball.
It seemed a case of six of one, half a dozen of the other, but the goal was not allowed to stand despite some hesitation on the part of the match official.
Gilardino then went close to scoring a goal which would have been worthy of winning any match.
The Italy striker produced a fine touch to leave both Lucio and Samuel standing, but he could only hit the post with his shot, missing by a whisker what would have been a serious contender for goal of the season.
And Inter punished the Viola with five minutes remaining when Gianluca Comotto fouled Milito inside the penalty area and the Argentinian stepped up to beat Frey from the spot and earn the hosts all three points.
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