The Milan club had seen their 17-match winning streak ended in midweek with a 1-1 draw at home to Udinese.

But although the league leaders fell behind to a Cristiano Lucarelli free-kick in Leghorn, Julio Cruz and Zlatan Ibrahimovic reversed the scoreline to stretch Inter's healthy cushion at the top of the table.

The victory was marred slightly by the late dismissal of Maicon for a second yellow card, while coach Roberto Mancini was also forced to leave the field early for his excessive protests.

Inter's city rivals AC Milan moved level with Lazio in fourth place after coming from behind to beat Chievo 3-1 at the San Siro.

Despite not scoring himself, Ronaldo was the inspiration behind Milan's recovery, while Dida had a night to forget in the hosts' goal.

Sergio Pellissier was gifted the easiest of goals by the Brazilian in the 17th minute to put Chievo ahead.

Alberto Gilardino scored a 33rd-minute equaliser with Massimo Oddo firing in a stunning second 10 minutes into the second half. Clarence Seedorf put away the last of many dangerous free-kicks in stoppage time to seal the three points for Carlo Ancelotti's side and put the pressure on Lazio, who host Sampdoria tomorrow.

In today's other match, Christian Wilhelmsson's late leveller secured a point for an off-colour Roma side against bottom-of-the-table Ascoli.