AC Milan ensured it will go into next weekend’s derby match ahead of Inter Milan after beating Chievo Verona 2-1 in Serie A on Saturday.

Krzysztof Piatek scored what was to prove the winner. His 19th league goal moved him level at the top of the goalscoring chart with Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo and Sampdoria’s Fabio Quagliarella.

Milan consolidated third place, four points ahead of Inter. The top four from Serie A qualify for the Champions League next season. The only negative note for Milan was that coach Gennaro Gattuso was sent to the stands in the first half for dissent and risks being suspended for the derby March 17.

Lucas Biglia marked his first start since October by curling a magnificent free kick into the top left corner in the first half.

However, Chievo leveled four minutes from halftime when Mehdi Leris curled in a cross from the right for Perparim Hetemaj to head in at the far post.

(SD-Agencies)