Two Zlatan Ibrahimovic's classy feats Saturday gave Inter Milan a 2-0 win against Palermo and kept the reigning champions at the top in the Italian Serie A.
The powerful Swede surprised veteran goalkeeper Alberto Fontana right after the break with a fast drive from outside the area that grazed the far post before inflating the goal.
The Sicily hosts played a good first half, with a feeble shot from Palermo's Fabio Simplicio being the game's first shot as Inter took off at a brisk pace, but threatened only on 28 minutes through a low drive from Ibrahimovic that Fontana was ready to deflect.
There was less ball possession from Palermo, but more drives as their fast striker Fabrizio Miccoli fired a high volley and provided usable feeds for Giulio Migliaccio and Edison Cavani, who however, failed to threaten Julio Cesar.
Palermo seemed to be under shock after the 46th-minute goal from Ibra, who on 55 minutes fired another dangerous drive that this time met Fontana's deflection by the closest post.
The Swede left Fontana no chance on 62 minutes, taking a free kick after being floored and slamming an impressive central drive that left the goalkeeper fumbling for the ball.
Yet another effort from the inspired Ibra gave Fontana a chance to show his worth as he dove to deflect the ball from under the bar.
Inter rose to 27 points from 12 games and are now again three points above Juventus, who in mid-week crushed Genoa 4-1 and next weekend are in Milan for a mouthwatering classic match.
In-form runners-up Napoli and AC Milan lie four points from the top, but look to keep the pace of the champions Sunday when they are at away to Atalanta and at home with Chievo, respectively.
Shares fell 2.1 per cent Friday on the Seoul stock exchange on general recession fears. South Korea's won dropped against the dollar.
When the Spirit rover landed on Mars five years ago, no one expected it or its sister rover Opportunity to make it to their first birthdays, let alone their fifth.
Amelie Mauresmo fell victim to a leg injury after less than half an hour on court Friday to hand over a 4-0 victory which put French compatriot Marion Bartoli into the final of the Brisbane International.
Mumbai-based movie Slumdog Millionaire won five prizes Thursday night at the Critics Choice Awards, cementing its position as a surprise favourite just as the Oscar season moves into high gear.
After the Taipei Zoo received two giant pandas from China, another Taiwan zoo said Friday it is seeking to receive a pair of pandas from China.