Inter hold onto Scudetto

Internazionale secured their third straight Serie A title with a 2-0 win at Parma, while challengers Roma were held to a 1-1 draw at Catania on a dramatic final day of the season.

Inter began their final fixture a point clear of Roma and knew that a win, against a side who had to claim victory to have any chance of avoiding relegation, would see them retain their crown.

But the champions struggled at rain-soaked Parma until the introduction of Zlatan Ibrahimovic early in the second half.

The Swedish striker went close immediately before breaking the deadlock on 61 minutes with a low raking shot from outside the penalty area. The title was sewn up 17 minutes later when Maicon drove forward and clipped a cross to the far post that Ibrahimovic volleyed in.

That rendered Roma's result at Catania meaningless in the title race, but at half time they were leading in the Serie A standings.

Mirko Vucinic had beaten two men and scored from a tight angle to give Roma an early lead but Catania, who needed a draw to survive, saved themselves with an 81st-minute close-range effort from Jorge Martinez just minutes after Inter scored their second against Parma.

The Scudetto is Inter's 16th in their history and it could be coach Roberto Mancini's last as rumours still exist that he will leave the club after the season concludes with the Coppa Italia final next week.

[Week 38 Review]