MILAN, Dec 19: Brazilian striker Ronaldo scored twice as Inter Milan returned to the top of Italy’s Serie A with a 3-0 win over Verona on Wednesday.

Inter took over from Chievo at the head of the standings after the Verona side’s match against Lazio was postponed due to a frozen pitch.

Champions AS Roma, second before today’s games, were held to a 0-0 draw at home to Brescia.

Twice World Player of the Year Ronaldo, looking close to his old self as he continued his comeback after two years out with injury, headed home Sergio Conceicao’s cross five minutes into the second half to double Inter’s lead after Christian Vieri had put them ahead.

The Brazilian then made it 3-0 with a fine solo effort after being sent clear by Andres Guglielminpietro, racing goalwards before neatly rounding Verona goalkeeper Fabrizio Ferron and coolly slotting the ball home.

Milan and Italy captain Paolo Maldini was stretchered off with a knee injury, amid fears he may have suffered ligament damage.

Wednesday’s results:

Atalanta 1 AC Milan 1

Bologna 0 Udinese 1

Fiorentina 1 Juventus 1

Inter Milan 3 Verona 0

Lecce 2 Perugia 3

AS Roma 0 Brescia 0

Torino 1 Parma 0

Venezia 2 Piacenza 3

Chievo Verona v Lazio postponed, frozen pitch.—Reuters