MILAN: Matteo Politano and Ivan Perisic scored in either half as Inter Milan took a crucial step towards securing Champions League football by beating 10-man Chievo Verona 2-0 in Serie A on Monday.

Inter moved back into third spot in Serie A, a point above Atalanta, who occupy the final Champions League qualifying berth. Crucially, Inter are four points above AC Milan and Roma with two matches remaining.

Inter could seal their place with a win next Sunday at Napoli or at home against lowly Empoli on the final day of the season the following weekend.

Inter’s win ended Lazio’s Champions League ambitions with the Romans in eighth place with a slim hope of making the Europa League, which they could also reach by winning Wednesday’s Coppa Italia final against Atalanta.

Politano opened after 39 minutes in the San Siro with Perisic adding the second four minutes from time, as Chievo played the last fifteen minutes a man down after Nicola Rigoni was sent off for a second yellow card.

“Once we broke the deadlock, it all became easier. Now, it will all be in our hand for the next two games,” Inter midfielder Radja Nainggolan said. “Now, getting points to qualify for the Champions League is all that matters.”

Last-placed Chievo had already been relegated.

Bologna all but achieved Serie A safety with a 4-1 win over 10-man Parma, who are in danger of getting sucked back into the relegation dogfight.

Bologna were helped by two own goals, including from Parma goalkeeper Luigi Sepe, who kept his side in the match early on with three sensational saves. Parma defender Francisco Sierralta scored the other own goal late on.

Parma captain Bruno Alves was sent off with his team trailing 2-0 after he was showed a second yellow card for his reaction after being booked for a foul. Bologna moved five points above the relegation zone and two above Parma.

Published in Dawn, May 15th, 2019