Martins keeps Inter unbeaten

By Paolo Corradini

FC Internazionle Milano were within eight minutes of losing for the first time in Serie A this season before Obafemi Martins scored the equalising goal against AC Chievo Verona at the San Siro.

Woodwork rattled
The visitors made an excellent start and would have taken the lead after three minutes had Simone Tiribocchi's long-range drive not rebounded to safety off the crossbar. Inter also hit the woodwork in the first half, as Alvaro Recoba struck a free-kick against a post. Dejan Stankovic wasted the best opening, however, when inexplicably failing to guide the ball into an empty net.

Luciano chance
Chievo opened the scoring in the 73rd minute when Davide Mandelli volleyed in a corner from Roberto Baronio, only for Inter to restore parity eight minutes later when Martins beat Luca Marchegiani from close range. Chievo substitute, and former Inter winger, Luciano almost won it for his side but instead became the third player to be denied by the posts.

Bologna beat Cagliari
Earlier on Saturday Bologna FC closed to within two points of eighth-placed Cagliari Calcio after defeating the Sardinian side 1-0 at the Stadio Dall'Ara. Claudio Bellucci's fifth goal of the season in the 70th minute won the game for Bologna and sent them five points clear of the relegation zone. Cagliari lost some of their attacking impetus when captain and inspiration Gianfranco Zola went off after 40 minutes with a strained muscle.