Fredy Guarin inspires Inter to victory

A Fredy Guarin piledriver fired Inter Milan two points clear at the top of Serie ‘A’ with a 1-0 win over AC Milan, for whom Mario Balotelli made his second debut on Sunday.

Having failed to qualify for Europe this season, both Milan giants are desperate to make up for years of underachiement — and on this performance may now fancy their chances of a top finish, especially given Juventus’ early season woes.

Inter now sit two points clear of Chievo with a maximum nine points although Roma, also on seven points, are the Nerazzurri’s more notable challengers.

Champions Juventus, with two losses and a draw so far, are down in 16th, eight points off the pace as they endure their worst start to a season in living memory.

Milan shaded a lively opening half in which Carlos Bacca and Luiz Adriano kept the Nerazzurri defence on their toes, home ’keeper Samir Handanovic notably saving at Adriano’s feet early on, while on-loan Manchster City forward Stevan Jovetic drilled just wide of Diego Lopez’s post at the other end.

Inter were looking nervous, and Milan almost capitalised. When Giacomo Bonaventura countered on 19 minutes, his pinpoint pass found Adriano but the Brazilian was blocked by Juan Jesus as he was about to pull the trigger.

On the stroke of half-time, Milan breathed a sigh of relief when Lopez produced a wonderful reflex save to deny striker Mauro Icardi from close range.

Jovetic produced Inter’s first chance of the second half after a poor Lopez clearance, but the Argentinian’s effort was blocked by a Milan boot.

Milan’s goalkeeper was finally beaten when Milan’s defence fatally backed off and allowed Guarin to unleash a drive that beat Lopez at his far corner for his 15th Serie A goal on his 100th league appearance.