Simplicio strike gives Parma win over Inter

MILAN, Mar 25 (Reuters) Champions League contenders Inter Milan suffered a 1-0 defeat at mid-table Parma in Serie A today.

Inter, who face Spain's Villarreal in their Champions League quarter-final, first leg on Wednesday, were beaten by a 39th minute goal from Parma's Brazilian midfielder Fabio Simplicio as they fell to their sixth league defeat of the season.

Bernardo Corradi broke down the left flank and put in a low cross which Inter's Cameroonian defender Pierre Wome badly miscontrolled, allowing the ball to spill to Simplicio who drove home his ninth goal of the season.

Parma went close to a second on several occasions but Inter keeper Francesco Toldo produced a series of good saves -- twice keeping out excellent long-range strikes from Australian midfielder Mark Bresciano.

Inter almost grabbed a last-minute equaliser but Parma keeper Luca Bucci's diving save kept out a glancing header from Argentine Esteban Cambiasso.

Inter are in third place on 65 points, 12 behind leaders Juventus who were facing AS Roma at the Delle Alpi stadium later today.

Also today second-placed AC Milan were due to face fourth-placed Fiorentina at the San Siro.

Reuters PDS VP0445