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Adriano scored his first goal in six months to give Inter victory at Reggina, but the Brazilian was in a row with Roberto Mancini.
Patrick Vieira had his first Serie A start since May and Adriano also returned alongside the on-form Julio Cruz in a bid to extend their lead at the top of the table. Reggina were the ultimate underdogs, as they were still without a win this season and hadn't scored in this fixture since 2002, although two of the last three editions had ended goalless. Star striker Nicola Amoruso was injured and Francesco Modesto suspended.
Driving rain over Reggio Calabria made the pitch very heavy with standing water all over the pitch. Simone Missoroli had a good chance when he slipped during a volley and Cristian Chivu managed to close him down. Former Roma defender Chivu also cut short Emanuele Cascione's run in much the same area.
Reggina had the upper hand early on and Ciccio Cozza found space - again dow the right flank - to fire over. On 13 minutes the ball went through the distracted Inter defence and Francesco Toldo had to rush out and use his body to smother both Ceravolo and Cozza's shots from point-blank range.
The Amaranto kept pouring forward and Esteban Cambiasso had to close down a promising Ceravolo solo run.
However, it was Inter who took the lead against the run of play. A Luis Figo free kick floated to the back post where Adriano got the slightest of glancing touches with his head to steer it past Campagnolo. It was his first goal in any competition since April 15.
Ceravolo was about to score a brilliant individual goal when he sprinted towards the box, riding two tackles, but got his feet caught in a puddle from eight yards and tripped up just as he was pulling the trigger.
Reggina had penalty appeals for a Chivu push on Missiroli as he prepared a volley, but the referee waved their protests away.
Inter were only ever dangerous from set-pieces and Adriano nearly bagged a brace. His powerful free kick squirmed under Campagnolo's body, but the goalkeeper was able to stop the ball just before it crossed the line.
The home side continued to waste chances, as Emil Hallfredsson dribbled past Douglas Maicon and set up Cozza, whose shot was charged down for a corner.
Ceravolo sprung the offside trap on 41 minutes and Toldo came tearing out to stick up a strong hand and parry the lob. Ivan Cordoba blocked Ceravolo's solo effort and Toldo flew to fingertip a dangerous cross off his head.
Goalscorer Adriano made way for Javier Zanetti after the restart, but there was controversy. Coach Roberto Mancini held up his hand for a high-five, but the Brazilian completely ignored him as he walked to the bench.
Vieira marked his comeback with a booking and risked a straight red for his late sliding tackle through the back of Ceravolo. He was immediately substituted by Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Toldo comfortably controlled a long-range Cozza free kick, but Reggina nearly bagged an equaliser. Missiroli flicked on a cross for Cascione who came sliding in. The chaotic finish had beaten Toldo, but Maxwell was ready for a goalline clearance.
Under-21 international Cherubin did brilliantly to hold off an Ibrahimovic in full flight and eventually dispossess him in the box. Cruz was generally quiet, but he had a great chance on 76 minutes when he gathered Ibra's pass and the delicate chip was plucked out of the air by Campagolo's one strong hand.
David Suazo came on and immediately sent Cesar Aparecido clear for an angled drive across the face of goal, while the Honduran was halted for an incorrect offside flag.
Ibrahimovic dribled past two players and unleashed a fierce left-foot rocket that Campagnolo parried. Suazo came diving on to the loose ball, but still couldn't turn it in as he clattered into the goalkeeper.
Reggina thought they had an equaliser on 89 minutes when Figo was dispossessed, but Cozza turned his marker and the low drive shaved a coat of paint off the base of the near post.
They kept pushing and Cascione's glancing header was well held by Toldo.
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