Inter rocked as Chivu fractures skull

FC Internazionale Milano defender Cristian Chivu has undergone surgery after fracturing his skull during the Nerazzurri's 1-0 victory at AC Chievo Verona on Wednesday.

Mourinho fears
The 29-year-old Romanian international suffered the injury after a clash of heads with Chievo striker Sergio Pellissier and was taken off on a stretcher three minutes after half-time. He was taken to the hospital in Verona and, following a visit by Inter team-mates, underwent an emergency operation after doctors discovered a haematoma. "We hope he will be back as soon as possible, but I think he will be out for a long time," said coach José Mourinho, who side remain eight points clear at the Serie A summit. Inter meet Chelsea FC in the UEFA Champions League first knockout round, with the first leg in Milan on 24 February.