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Chievo forward Erjon Bogdani of Albania (R) fights for the ball with Inter Milan's French midfielder Patrick Vieira during their Italian Serie A football match at Bentegodi Stadium in Verona. Inter won 1-0.

Inter were deprived of a number of midfield stars, handing a rare start to wantaway French midfielder Patrick Vieira who is being tipped to move to Manchester City.

However their absences due to injury proved no major handicap and striker Mario Balotelli gave Jose Mourinho's side a welcome lead when he struck on the counter in the 12th minute.

Inter were given little trouble for the remainder of the match and pocketed the three points to sit on 42 in total after 18 games.

"I am extremely happy," said Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho.

"These are the type of matches that are decisive and puts a smile on a coach's face because the personality displayed by the team was astonishing."

It was not all happy news for Inter, though, as their Romanian international defender Cristian Chivu fractured his skull in a clash of heads in the 46th minute while Balotelli was subjected to racist abuse.

Balotelli, born in Palermo but of Ghanaian heritage, is regularly subjected to such insults but usually tries to shrug it off.

After what was the final Inter game for another black player, Frenchman Patrick Vieira, who is tipped to sign for Manchester City, the 19-year-old Balotelli could not contain his anger.

"Every time I come to Verona I realise that the supporters disgust me more and more. It's completely unacceptable," Balotelli told Sky Sports.

Elsewhere Juventus got off to a winning start to the new year having lost five of their previous six matches in all competitions with a 2-1 win over Parma.

Midfielder Hasan Salihamidzic scored only three minutes into the encounter and an own-goal had them 2-0 up by the break.

The 'Old Lady' hung on for the three points despite having on-loan defender Martin Caceres sent-off in the second-half. They move into second place though AC Milan can replace them later should they beat Genoa.

Napoli lie fourth after a 2-0 victory over Atalanta while Roma will be kicking themselves after letting a 2-0 lead slip away at Cagliari with the home side scoring twice in time added on to force a 2-2 draw.

AC Milan's match should see England star David Beckham making his debut after returning on loan from LA Galaxy.