Serie A: Chievo draw hits Lazio's Champions League hopes

Chievo striker Alberto Paloschi equalised 15 minutes from time to deny second-placed Lazio an important home win on Sunday in their push for Champions League football next season.

Miroslav Klose gave the hosts the lead on the stroke of half-time and they had chances to double their advantage after the restart but Chievo goalkeeper Albano Bizarri kept them at bay with some good saves.

The visitors got back on level terms when Paloschi's right-footed volley left Lazio goalkeeper Federico Marchetti rooted to the spot and the game finished 1-1.

The result left Lazio 14 points behind Serie A leaders Juventus but one clear of city rivals Roma, who lost 2-1 at Inter Milan on Saturday, while Chievo were 14th and 14 points above the relegation zone with six games remaining.

Lazio, who had their eight-match winning league run halted last week in a 2-0 loss at Juve, headed into the encounter looking for their fifth straight win at the Stadio Olimpico.

Antonio Candreva was first to test Bizarri, but his powerful strike from 12 yards in the 13th minute was saved by the visiting goalkeeper.

Bizarri was called on again to keep out Candreva's goal-bound attempt in the 32nd minute.

Lazio broke the deadlock before the interval when Stefan Radu set up Klose in the box and the German struck the ball out of Bizarri's reach.

The home side struggled to break down Chievo's well-organised defence but did have two opportunities to double their lead after the hour.

In the 68th minute, Candreva surged into the area and drilled a right-footed shot that was blocked by Bostjan Cesar for a corner.

Two minutes later and substitute Keita got past two defenders and unleashed a bullet strike that forced Bizarri to fully stretch to clear.

At the other end, Chievo made no mistake with their only shot on goal.

Paloschi got behind a loose ball in the Lazio area and his attempt found the top-left corner of the net.

Lazio had the last chance of the game four minutes from time but substitute Ederson's header from Cristian Ledesma's cross went wide.