Adriano banned for throwing punch

The incident involving Samp's Daniele Gastaldello in the penalty area was missed by the referee but a league statement said the decision had been reached using television evidence.

Adriano scored the winner on the stroke of halftime to re-establish Inter's three-point lead at the top of Serie A despite a nervous display.

The big Brazilian has been in and out of the Inter side this season after irritating coach Jose Mourinho with a perceived lack of commitment.

Mourinho has also been banned for Wednesday's game at Catania after being sent from the dugout just before Adriano's goal for arguing with the officials.

Sweden forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic missed the Samp game through suspension but is available again for the trip to Sicily.

AC Milan's Ronaldinho was suspended for three Italian Cup games earlier this month after television replays showed him throwing an elbow in the 2-1 defeat by Lazio in the last 16.