  Alternative gravitational theories described by Lagrangians depending on
general functions of the Ricci scalar have been proven to give coherent
theoretical models to describe the experimental evidence of the acceleration of
universe at present time. In this paper we proceed further in this analysis of
cosmological applications of alternative gravitational theories depending on
(other) curvature invariants. We introduce Ricci squared Lagrangians in minimal
interaction with matter (perfect fluid); we find modified Einstein equations
and consequently modified Friedmann equations in the Palatini formalism. It is
striking that both Ricci scalar and Ricci squared theories are described in the
same mathematical framework and both the generalized Einstein equations and
generalized Friedmann equations have the same structure. In the framework of
the cosmological principle, without the introduction of exotic forms of dark
energy, we thus obtain modified equations providing values of w_{eff}<-1 in
accordance with the experimental data. The spacetime bi-metric structure plays
a fundamental role in the physical interpretation of results and gives them a
clear and very rich geometrical interpretation.
