Chievo Verona 2-2 Inter Milan; closer to scudetto

VERONA - Michele Marcolini and Luciano cancelled out goals from Hernan Crespo and Mario Balotelli as Chievo held Inter at the Stadio Marc'Antonio Bentegodi.

The 2-2 draw leaves Inter eight points clear at the top of the table ahead of tonight's late game at the Giuseppe Meazza between second- and third-placed teams AC Milan and Juventus.

Balotelli and Stankovic returned to José Mourinho's starting lineup after missing last weekend's win over Lazio through suspension, while the disqualified Ibrahimovic was replaced up front by Crespo.

The move paid dividends as early as the third minute when El Valdanito slotted home a loose ball after Sorrentino failed to hold Cambiasso's shot.

Luis Figo went close to a quick second when his shot took a deflection off Frey and came back off the post.

A spirited Chievo side fought back strong and got their reward before the half-hour mark, Marcolini finding the target with an unstoppable 25-yard drive.

As the pace intensified, Inter captain Zanetti had a penalty claim turned down before his Flying Donkeys counterpart Pellissier threatened to score a second with a flicked header from Marcolini's inswinging cross.

Inter regrouped well after a period of Gialloblu pressure and ended the half on top with Balotelli forcing a punched block from Sorrentino with a cross-shot from the left.

SuperMario continued where he left off as the Nerazzurri carried their attacking momentum into the second half. After having two quick shots blocked by Chievo defender Frey, Balotelli fired Inter in front with a cracking goal, volleying in off the post after pouncing on a loose ball in the box.

The lead was short-lived as ex-Inter winger Luciano stunned the visiting fans with seventeen minutes remaining. Unmarked on the right side of the Inter box, the Brazilian arrowed Mantovani's left-wing cross beyond Julio Cesar to set up a tense finale, the best chance of which fell to Javier Zanetti who tested Sorrentino with a low shot after powering past two opponents.

Chievo 2-2 Inter (HT: 1-1)

Scorers: Crespo 3, Marcolini 27, Balotelli 65, Luciano 73.

Chievo: 28 Sorrentino; 21 Frey, 2 Morero, 33 Yepes, 4 Mantovani (83 Sardo 76); 10 Luciano, 16 Rigoni, 7 Marcolini; 31 Pellissier, 9 Bentivoglio (79 Esposito 73), 23 Bogdani (6 Malagò 82).
Subs not used: 18 Squizzi, 5 Mandelli, 20 Kerlon, 77 Italiano.
Coach: Domenico Di Carlo.

Inter: 12 Julio Cesar; 4 Zanetti, 2 Cordoba, 25 Samuel, 6 Maxwell; 5 Stankovic (11 Jimenez 77), 19 Cambiasso, 20 Muntari; 7 Figo, 18 Crespo (9 Cruz 57), 45 Balotelli (16 Burdisso 67).
Subs not used: 1 Toldo, 14 Vieira, 21 Obinna, 26 Chivu.
Coach: José Mourinho.

taken from: inter.it