After taking a two-goal lead through Maxwell (4) and Dejan Stankovic (47), Chievo produced a courageous comeback with goals from Simone Bentivoglio (51) and Sergio Pellisier (65).

Later in the second half, Ibrahimovic hit a brace on the 79th and 88th minute to save the day for Jose Mourinho's men.

It seemed that the encounter will be no more than a walk in the part for Inter, who were facing a Chievo side that managed two wins in the last 16 rounds of the league.

Four minutes on, Maxwell ended a brilliant run on the left flank by cutting in and smashing a right-footed shot under Stefano Sorrentino's bar to score the home side's first.

Straight after the restart, Stankovic exchanged passes with Douglas Maicon and Ibrahimovic before the Serbian finished off the move with a low drive in the back of the net.

However, Chievo stunned the home crowd by scoring twice in fifteen minutes. Pellisier hit a smashing drive from outside the Inter box that went straight past Julio Cesar's near post.

In the 65th minute, Inter's defense failed to clear Andrea Mantovani's low cross, and Bentivoglio capitalized by tapping in from close range.

Ibrahimovic restored Inter's lead after rising to meet Maicon's header on 79 minutes.

The visitors had to complete the game with one-man down, after Santiago Morero received his marching orders eight minutes from time.

Ibra secured the three points for his side courtesy of a powerful first time shot from inside the box.

Inter are still top of Serie A with 39 points, nine ahead of second-placed Juventus, who will be facing AC Milan later on Sunday.

Chievo remain rooted to the bottom of the table with nine points.