Inter Milan maintained their seven point lead at the top of Serie A today, despite Roma also picking up a victory; as Zlatan Ibrahimovic bagged a brace to help his club to a 3-2 victory over Siena.

In Siena, Ibrahimovic began 2008 with a brace that made him the league's second best scorer, level on 11 goals with Adrian Mutu of Fiorentina, but two behind Juve's David Trezeguet.

The Swede converted a spot kick on 26 minutes and secured Inter's seventh straight win with a fierce long-range shot on 52 minutes.

Massimo Maccarone managed to equalize Ibra's opener tapping home on 31 minutes, but Esteban Cambiasso put the champions back in the lead before the break with a close-range touch.

Siena missed a chance when Daniele Corvia had his shot blocked by Brazilian goalkeeper Julio Cesar, who stood no chance when Argentina's Fernando Forestieri stunned him in injury time.

"If we were three games from the end I'd be very happy, but since we are not yet at half season I'm not so confident," Inter coach Roberto Mancini said.

"I think Ibra can still improve. His (second) goal was extraordinary, but his shot is so powerful that he can do whatever he wants."