BALOTELLI FAILS TO STOP INTER

Inter Milan moved to the top of Serie A with a 2-1 victory over Brescia on Tuesday ( Wednesday in Manila) as Mario Balotelli threatened throughout against his former side.

Lautaro Martinez and Romelu Lukaku scored either side of halftime as Antonio Conte’s team climbed above champions Juventus.

An own goal from Milan Skriniar on 76 minutes gave Brescia hope but the home side remains in 18th place and are without a victory since September 21.

Conte made two changes from the side, which drew 2-2 with Parma on Saturday as Dutch international Stefan de Vrij started in the heart of defense.

Eugenio Corini, under mounting pressure as Brescia boss after a bumpy run, brought in four new faces after the weekend defeat at Genoa and included Alfredo Donnarumma up front to partner Balotelli while handing 31-year-old goalkeeper Enrico Alfonso a Serie A debut.

The visitors claimed an undeserved lead after 23 minutes as De Vrij won a midfield header against Balotelli.

De Vrij’s clearance fell to Martinez outside the Brescia box and his deflected shot hit the left foot of defender Andrea Cistana and lobbed Alfonso.

Three minutes into the second half Balotelli threatened Inter’s lead but captain Samir Handanovic was equal to his low drive from outside the area.

Despite Brescia’s constant pressure since the break Inter doubled their lead after 63 minutes as Lukaku scored his seventh goal in 10 games this season.