Inter storm back to the top

ITALY: Inter Milan moved back to the top of the Italian first division last night with a 4-2 win over Atalanta at Bergamo.

Two second-half goals from Christian Vieri and one from Mohamed Kallon ensured Inter prevailed after Atalanta's Cristiano Doni had bagged a first-half pair in reply to Luigi di Biagio's opener for the visitors.

Inter return to the summit because arch-rivals AC Milan defeated former leaders Chievo 3-2 at the San Siro, ending the fairytale six-week spell at the top of the side from Verona who had dislodged Inter on October 21st - thanks to another AC Milan win in the Milan derby.

It was the third defeat of the season for Serie A newcomers Chievo, all by a 3-2 scoreline although at least this time they did not surrender a two-goal lead. AC Milan struck first. Brazilian winger Serginho crossed to Filippo Inzaghi, who headed the opener. But Chievo, playing at Italian football's most famous arena for the first time, replied with a fine equaliser from Massimo Marazzina and three minutes later Bernardo Corradi put Chievo ahead.

The game turned in the second half when Milan were awarded a disputed penalty, converted by Ukrainian striker Andriy Shevchenko who then headed the winner.

Chievo coach Luigi del Neri repeated for the umpteenth time that the club's aim is to avoid relegation. "We must not lose sight of the fact that this is our real objective."

SPAIN: Real Betis climbed to second in the Primera Liga yesterday evening after a 1-0 win over Tenerife, who finished the game in Seville with eight men.

A furiously contested second half saw eight players booked, with Tenerife's Federico Basavilbaso and Bruno Marioni sent off and Esteban Fuertes being forced to leave the pitch injured after they had already used all three subs.

Betis trail leaders Alaves only on goal-difference thanks to Joaquin's stunning volley. The goal came in the 56th minute, with Joaquin thumping in a wicked shot from the edge of the penalty area following Denilson's raking pass.

Celta Vigo erased the memory of the midweek Copa del Rey exit at the hands of second division Salamanca by beating Villarreal 3-1 last night.

Luis Edu scored twice in as many minutes to add to Jesuli's opener, meaning Antonio Guayre's reply for Villarreal was merely a consolation.

Malaga survived the second-half dismissal of Dario Silva to record a valuable 1-0 win over Real Sociedad, lifting them clear of the relegation zone.

The Uruguay striker, who was making his Primera Liga return after suffering a shoulder injury, went in late and hard on Xavier Alonso in the 66th minute and was instantly red-carded by referee Megia Davila.

Josico's first goal of the season won it for the islanders, who are now three points clear of the bottom three.