Inter go top but Ronaldo faces tests on new injury

Internazionale's march back to the top of Serie A ahead of the Christmas break was marred by another injury for Brazilian striker Ronaldo.

A 3-2 home win over Piacenza in Milan took Hector Cuper's side ahead of champions AS Roma who beat Chievo 3-0 last night in the standings with two goals from Christian Vieri helping Inter.

But his Brazilian strike partner lasted only 21 minutes of the game when he puled up after exchanging passes with Vieri.

He was then replaced by Turkish winger Emre Belozoglu as Inter went on to win.

Ronaldo has suffered a thigh strain according to initial reports but Cuper did not go into detail:

"Ronaldo has a strain. I can not say any more than that."

The 25 year old scored twice last week in only his third starting game since a 17-month absence after a second bout of serious knee surgery in April 2000.

Ronaldo is expected to miss at least two weeks with the injury but faces scans tomorrow.

Inter club doctor Andrea Combi said:

"It's just a recurrence of the strain he had against Lecce. It's nothing serious and now he will go to Brazil for Christmas where he will have checks."

The Italian season now takes a two week break with the player due in Rio late tomorrow.