Inter hold nerve and Roma at bay

FC Internazionale Milano will be crowned Italian champions if they beat AC Siena next weekend after the Nerazzurri overcame AC Chievo Verona 4-3 to remain two points ahead of AS Roma going into the final round of matches.

José Mourinho's side survived a fraught finish at San Siro after the visitors threatened to come back from 4-1 down and the beginning of the contest was equally uncomfortable for the current champions. Thiago Motta inadvertantly deflected a free-kick past his own goalkeeper to gift Chievo the lead but Andrea Mantovani repaid the favour a minute later.

Inter then surged away with Esteban Cambiasso's controlled volley (34) and Diego Milito's chip (39) making it 3-1 at the break. Mario Balotelli (52) burst through to seemingly confirm the result only for Pablo Granoche and Sergio Pellissier to set up a nervous final 16 minutes.

Roma, beaten by Inter in the Coppa Italia final on Wednesday, added to the titleholders' angst by staging a late comeback to floor Cagliari. The Giallorossi's hopes appeared over when Andrea Lazzari drilled in from distance with just 17 minutes remaining only for Francesco Totti to level then strike the winning penalty on 83 minutes. Should Inter fail to win next Sunday, Roma will be guaranteed the title should they beat Chievo due to their superior head-to-head record.

AC Milan secured third place despite losing 1-0 at Genoa CFC after fourth-placed UC Sampdoria drew 1-1 at US Città di Palermo. The Blucerchiati, however, remain two points ahead of their opponents as a result and will secure a UEFA Champions League spot with a win against sixth-placed SSC Napoli on the final day. Elsewhere, Atalanta BC were relegated after succumbing 2-0 at Napoli while there were triumphs for Parma FC, 3-2 at Juventus, and S.S. Lazio, 2-1 away to AS Livorno Calcio.