Bologna have came from behind to win 3-1 at SPAL and approach the European places while their rivals are languishing in the drop zone of the Italian Serie A.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Andrea Petagna put the hosts ahead from the penalty spot, but Bologna levelled by halftime thanks to a Francesco Vicari own goal on Sunday.
After the break Bologna clinched victory as substitute Musa Barrow slammed a clearance under the bar and Andrea Poli turned in a cross.
The Bolognese are now 10th and four points off sixth place that qualifies for the Europa League.
SPAL remain third-last in the three-team relegation zone.
"We played well, it was a battle from the very first minute," Bologna veteran striker Rodrigo Palacio said. "The most important thing was to get a result: the derby is a game that needs to be won. The coach's return to the dugout in the second half gave us an added push."
The Bolognese are now 10th and four points off sixth place that qualifies for the Europa League.
SPAL remain third-last in the three-team relegation zone.
Meanwhile, Fiorentina slipped two points behind Bologna as second-last Genoa held them 0-0 in Florence.
Home defender Nikola Milenkovic saw his header come off the bar and Genoa captain Domenico Criscito had a penalty saved by Bartlomiej Dragowski in the first half.
Both sides changed coaches in late December during a league break, with Giuseppe Iachini taking over Fiorentina from Vincenzo Montella and Davide Nicola replacing Thiago Motta, who earlier in the season had been hired for Aurelio Andreazzoli.
Torino host Atalanta later on Saturday.
AC Milan went sixth after edging strugglers Brescia 1-0 on Friday.
Australian Associated Press
