Milan - Swedish star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic late Saturday celebrated his 27th birthday with a spectacular volley in a 2-1 win over Bologna that pushed Inter to the top of the Serie A next to Lazio. The Rome side earlier Saturday drew 1-1 at home with newcomers Lecce and have 13 points from six games, leading Inter on goal difference. Both sides, though, on Sunday can be leapfrogged by 11-point Napoli.
Beating the promoted guests allowed the Italian champions to bounce back from last weekend's 1-0 defeat against AC Milan, which was followed by a 1-1 home draw to Werder Bremen in the Champions League.
Bologna, who suffered a fifth straight defeat after their single win away to AC Milan in the season opener, were the first to threaten when Sergio Volpi fired a wide drive on four minutes.
The champions soon began pressing in earnest with Patrick Vieira squandering a drive before Ibra also misfired on the rebound.
On eight minutes, Ibra had a break into the area saved by the knees of goalkeeper Francesco Antonioli, and on 25 delighted by Giuseppe Meazza incredibly volleying home with his heel off a cross from Inter's other striker Adriano.
Six minutes later the Swede set up Vieira into the area but the Frenchman's spurt was blocked by Antonioli, who also had to stop Adriano before the break.
A controversial spot kick awarded to Inter sealed their win on 50 minutes, when Volpi blocked with his hand a cross from Brazilian Mancini. His compatriot Adriano converted on 50 minutes.
Things got less smooth for Inter when Greek defender Vangelis Moras on 56 minutes pulled one back profiting from a defence blunder from captain Javeir Zanetti and Ramiro Cordoba.
Inter, however, remained in control and Antonioli had to intervene again to curb Ibra on 62 minutes and deflect two Sulley Muntari drives before Ibra missed a last mouthwatering chance.
In remaining games, Napoli play away to Genoa Sunday, when Juventus host Palermo, Roma visit Siena and AC Milan play at bottom side Cagliari.
