AP, Verona :
Inter Milan boosted its chances of qualifying for Europe with a 2-0 win at direct rival Hellas Verona in Serie A on Saturday.
Inter also hit the woodwork twice as it moved into fourth spot, two points above Fiorentina which hosts relegation-threatened Chievo Verona on Sunday.
Hellas Verona remained seventh, and was seven points behind Inter after just one win in its past six matches.
“It was a very important win because now they will stay behind us in the race for a Europa League spot,” Jonathan said. “Now we have to be careful of Parma, too. Tomorrow I will certainly be against Fiorentina.
“I don’t think it’s my best match in an Inter shirt, I’ve played in others better. The squad deserved the win and let’s hope we continue like this. (Inter coach Walter) Mazzarri always told us that our negative run would end with hard work, now we shouldn’t look at the standings but only at the next match.”
The result also sparked hopes Inter could snatch a Champions League spot. It moved eight points behind third-place Napoli, which visits Torino on Monday.
Inter took the lead in the 14th minute following Jonathan’s mazy run and cross, which Rodrigo Palacio slotted home from close range.
Jonathan sealed the result after an hour in. He burst into the right of the area and although his initial effort was saved, the rebound came back to the Brazilian defender off a Verona player and he scored.
Inter took until February to pick up its first win of 2014 but has not lost since then, a run of six matches.
