Inter Milan have defeated Chievo 1-0 in Serie A, thanks to a Mauro Icardi goal just before half time.

Both teams came close in the opening four minutes. First, Lucas Castro's first-time shot from the edge of the penalty area was saved by Samir Handanovic, before Ivan Perisic's long-range effort went narrowly over the bar at the other end.

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Castro then volleyed over from a corner after 19 minutes. Four minutes later, Alex Telles forced a save from Albano Bizzarri.

After 33 minutes, Valter Birsa's free kick from 25 yards went narrowly over the bar after Felipe Melo fouled Alberto Paloschi.

Icardi scored the opening goal in the 42nd minute to give Inter Milan a half-time lead.

In the 50th minute, Paloschi created space for himself but his shot from the edge of the area went narrowly over the crossbar.

Stevan Jovetic then went for goal from a 30-yard free kick but both teams struggled to break through the opposition defence in the second half.

Perisic broke into the Chievo penalty area in the 81st minute but his shot was blocked.

Bostjan Cesar came close to equalising in stoppage time, but his header grazed the right post.