Martin Frese’s stoppage-time own-goal helped Inter Milan claim a 2-1 win at Hellas Verona and close the gap on Serie A leaders Napoli to one point.
Cristian Chivu’s side looked set to miss out on their chance to benefit following Napoli’s 0-0 draw with Como on Saturday when Giovane cancelled out Piotr Zielinski’s 16th-minute wonder strike.
Inter boss Chivu shuffled his pack during the second half and a cross by substitute Nicolò Barella was unfortunately flicked into his own net by Frese to hand the visitors a precious victory which closes the gap to champions Napoli to one point.
Napoli’s stalemate with Como a day earlier offered up an opportunity for Inter, who started strongly with captain Lautaro Martínez having two efforts, including one deflected wide.
The breakthrough did occur with 16 minutes played and in spectacular fashion through Zielinski at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi.
Hasan Calhanoglu’s corner expertly picked out the unmarked Zielinski, who thundered a sweetly struck volley into the top corner from 18 yards for a stunning opener.
Verona responded strongly with Giovane going close before the hosts did equalise five minutes before half-time.
Gift Orban played his part, driving forward before he found Giovane and he steered into the corner to stun Inter.
Chivu wasted little time in the second half to force the issue, with Denzel Dumfries, Barella and Francesco Pio Esposito sent on after 55 minutes.
Martinez and Calhanoglu had already gone close by this point but Federico Dimarco was introduced with 25 minutes left.