Inter Milan have missed their chance to move back into the top five of the Serie A table having been held to a 1-1 draw against struggling Chievo this evening.

The visitors took a surprise lead after just eight minutes when Alberto Paloschi cut inside from the left and curled a fine effort into the top corner, leaving Samir Handanovic with no chance.

Inter Milan's Japanese midfielder Yuto Nagatomo celebrates after scoring a goal during an Italian Serie A football match between Inter Milan and Chievo Verona on January 13, 2014 © Getty Images

Inter responded immediately, however, drawing back level just four minutes later as Yuto Nagatomo produced a smart finish after being found by Ricardo Alvarez's low cross.

They could have completed the comeback in the 24th minute when Jonathan picked out Rodrigo Palacio at the back post, but the Argentinian striker could only head wide having got above his man.

Chievo almost went back into the lead seven minutes before half time when Cyril Thereau managed to dig out a shot despite being surrounded by defenders, curling an effort just past the post from the edge of the box.

Alvarez tested Christian Puggioni twice with stinging drives in the opening 15 minutes of the second half, but it was Chievo who had the first clear opening after the restart, Thereau and Paloschi combining on the break only for the former to put his shot wide.

Neither side could create another meaningful chance in the closing stages as Chievo held on for a valuable point at the San Siro.