eplmatches.com

Inter Milan opened up a nine-point lead at the top of Serie A thanks to a comfortable win at fifth-placed Lazio tonight.

Walter Samuel put the Nerazzurri ahead after just two minutes before an own goal from Modibo Diakite gifted them a second in first-half stoppage time.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (55) added a third for Jose Mourinho’s side, who are gaining momentum with this, their sixth consecutive win in Serie A.

It took the defending champions just 90 seconds to edge ahead.

Samuel remained in attack after Lazio failed to fully clear a corner from the right-hand side and the ball came back into the area from Sulley Muntari’s cross which the Inter defender headed in powerfully from six yards.

Lazio tried to respond and held possession well, but Inter seemed happy to invite the pressure and wait for their chances on the break.

They had a few chances with the best falling to Ibrahimovic in the 20th minute, but he sent his volley uncharacteristically high and wide from 15 yards out.

Goran Pandev created the best chance for the home side after half an hour when he cut in from the left, leaving Maicon and Ivan Ramiro Cordoba in his wake before crossing low for Zarate, whose shot from close range was blocked.

It was Pandev’s last involvement in the game before he was replaced by Tommaso Rocchi due to an injury.

Highlights