Inter was coming off a 3-0 derby loss to AC Milan and a 5-2 home defeat by Schalke in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals.

While Inter threatened throughout, it didn't break through until Cambiasso took a pass from Maicon in the 65th minute and watched as his shot deflected first off a defender and then off the crossbar before going in.

Maicon then pounced on a loose ball inside the area in the 84th and slid it in.

Chievo captain Sergio Pellissier wasted a chance to equalize when he sent a poor shot high after being left free in the penalty area in the 78th.

Inter's victory moved the five-time defending champion back into second place, two points behind Milan and one in front of Napoli. However, Milan can restore its lead to five points when it visits Fiorentina on Sunday, while Napoli is at Bologna.