Lowly Piacenza frustrated Inter for an hour, but three goals in five minutes lifted the mood at the Giuseppe Meazza.
Argentine hit-man Batistuta grabbed the all-important opener shortly after the hour mark, deflecting Stephane Dalmat`s effort into the net.
Piacenza felt the effort should not have stood, as Enzo Maresca was felled in the build-up to the goal, but the protests were waved away.
Inter talisman Christian Vieri got in on the act shortly afterwards, firing in a brace in three minutes as Piacenza crumbled.
Piacenza rolled their sleeves up and their determination was rewarded with a last-minute consolation from Dario Hubner.
Giuseppe Sculli dealt Chievo`s Champions League hopes a major blow, as his goal on 71 minutes gave Modena a 1-0 home win over the Flying Donkeys.
Lazio`s hopes of keeping pace with the title challengers were also hit on Sunday, as Roberto Mancini`s side were held to a 0-0 home draw by Atalanta.
Parma grabbed a 2-1 win in a thrilling encounter at Perugia.
The usual defensive script was tossed out of the window as both sides traded attacks.
A fabulous low free-kick from Adriano gave Parma the lead on the half-hour.
Perugia battled bravely and Fabio Grosso`s shot was deflected past Sebastien Frey to draw them level.
A set-piece was the undoing of Perugia again, as Matteo Ferrari`s header crept in, although Zeljko Kalac should have done better.
Frey made a fantastic save to deny Mauro Milanese, while Parma twice hit the post late in the game as chances were created at both ends.
Roma slipped further away from the European places, as Udinese handed out a 2-1 defeat to the capital club.
Veteran defender Nestor Sensini opened the scoring on 35 minutes, but Vincenzo Montella brought Roma level shortly after the break.
Any thoughts Fabio Capello had of seeing his side snatch the game were stamped out when Vicenzo Iaquinta netted 17 minutes from time.
Bologna lifted themselves further away from trouble by recording a 2-0 home win over Empoli. Goals on 11 and 69 minutes by Claudio Bellucci and Paolo Vanoli respectively earned the home side the points.
Brescia did their hopes of avoiding the drop a power of good, as they snatched a late 2-1 win over Reggina.
David Di Michele cancelled out a penalty from Roberto Baggio, but Reggina were stunned when Fabio Petruzzi popped up late on to snatch the points.
To view a match summary click on a link below
Bologna v Empoli
Brescia v Reggina
Inter v Piacenza
Lazio v Atalanta
Modena v Chievo
Perugia v Parma
Udinese v Roma
