Serie A leaders Inter Milan were bucked for Sunday's home match against 18th-placed Torino by Wednesday night's 2-0 win at 12th-placed Catania that opened up a six-point gap over second-placed Juventus.
Juve lost 2-1 at 12th-placed Udinese Wednesday but third-placed AC Milan failed to make up much ground, held 1-1 at home by 4th-placed Genoa despite a ripping freekick goal by David Beckham, his second since joining them on loan from the LA Galaxy.
The goal, and Beckham's all-round performance, fueled speculation he might turn the two-month loan into a longer stay.
Milan, who are two points behind Juve, travel to 9th-placed Lazio on Sunday night while Juve host 9th-placed Cagliari the previous night.
Roma, a point behind Genoa after a 2-1 win over Palermo, go to last-placed Reggina while 6th-placed Fiorentina, a 2-1 winner over Napoli, travel to 18th-placed Bologna.