Method of controlling knocking in an internal combustion engine equipped with a device for controlling the opening of inlet valves

Method of controlling knocking in an internal combustion engine (1) equipped with a device (11) for controlling the opening of inlet valves (6); the control method comprises the phases of: determining the occurrence of an excessive knocking in the cylinder (2) of the internal combustion engine (1); and decreasing the mass of air sucked into the cylinder (2) in which an excessive knocking has occurred by acting on the control device (11) controlling the inlet valves (6) of the cylinder (2).