Inter's march towards the Serie A title suffered a minor blip when the champions were held to 1-1 draw at Parma.

Parma striker Valeri Bojinov opened the scoring on 54 minutes following a corner before Inter substitute Mario Balotelli equalised five minutes later in similar fashion.

Francesco Valiani was sent off for the hosts for two yellow cards midway through the second half in a game postponed from last month because of snow.

Inter, who had chances to score in the first half, extended their lead at the top to nine points while Parma remain mid-table.

Jose Mourinho's Inter, heading towards a fifth straight scudetto, have played the same number of games as second-placed AS Roma but AC Milan in third have one game in hand.

Inter defender Marco Materazzi suffered an injury late on but was sent up front given all three substitutes had been used.

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