Milan and Inter came out aggressively, but Milan had the advantage for most of the first half with Kaka setting up Inzaghi for several good chances, including a low pass in the 20th that filtered through the Inter defense. Inzaghi's shot from close range forced Julio Cesar to make a difficult save.

Inter next plays at home against Siena, which moved clear of the relegation zone with a 1-0 victory over Juventus and might not have much motivation. Roma hosts mid-table Atalanta.

In the last game of the season Inter plays at Parma and Roma visits Catania.

"I always thought we'd clinch against Siena, not against Milan," Mancini said.

Inter's offense came alive only after Milan scored its second goal.

After Cruz cut Milan's lead in half, the striker came close to scoring on another free kick in the 85th, but this time Kalac stretched to knock the ball away.

Inter continued to press through the rest of the game but was unable to create other good opportunities.

Also yesterday, it was: Atalanta 3, Livorno 2; Cagliari 2, Fiorentina 1; Catania 1, Reggina 2; Empoli 0, Udinese 1; Lazio 1, Palermo 2; Parma 1, Genoa 0; and Torino 2, Napoli 1.

In its victory at Sampdoria, Roma got second-half goals from Christian Panucci, David Pizarro and Cicinho. Sampdoria hit the crossbar twice in the first half and had several other chances to go ahead that were blocked by Roma goalkeeper Alexander Doni.

Parma got a second-half goal from Cristiano Lucarelli to keep alive its hopes of staying in Serie A next year. Parma is in third-to-last place and has 34 points, one more than Empoli and four more than Livorno. The last three teams are relegated to Serie B.

Catania is one point clear of relegation with 35 points while Reggina has 36 and Torino has 37.

(Agencies via Shanghai Daily May 5, 2008)