Inter Milan have moved up to fourth in the Serie A table with a 2-0 win away to Hellas Verona.
The visitors almost took the lead after just five minutes when Mauro Icardi latched on o a cross with his head from the edge of the six-yard box, but he couldn't convert the chance while Danilo D'Ambrosio fired the rebound over.
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Icardi came close with another header two minutes later, but Inter wouldn't have to wait much longer to break the deadlock, doing so in the 13th minute when Rodrigo Palacio collected a fine pass from Jonathan and coolly slotting home.
The Nerazzurri could have doubled their lead late in the first half when Fredy Guarin had a couple of shooting opportunities, but on both occasions he was denied by Rafael in the Verona goal.
The visitors came within inches of extending their advantage 10 minutes after the restart when Hernanes fired a fine free kick towards goal, only to see it rattle the crossbar.
Inter did finally make it 2-0 shortly after the hour mark when the ball broke to Jonathan inside the area, allowing the Brazilian to fire it past his compatriot and into the back of the net.
The hosts almost pulled a goal back with just under 20 minutes remaining. Vangelis Moras rose highest inside the box to nod an effort towards goal, but his header went narrowly over the crossbar.
Verona came even closer to getting a goal in stoppage time as Raphael Martinho danced past a couple of defenders before firing a low shot towards the bottom corner that drew a fine save from Samir Handanovic.
They ultimately couldn't find a way back into the match, however, as Inter saw out a victory that moves them into the top four at least until Fiorentina play Chievo tomorrow evening.
Barney Corkhill
