Inter 5-0 Parma: Masterful Milito Sends Ranieri's Side To Within Three Points Of Champions League Spots

The match began with the hosts controlling play, but struggling to create any real opportunities. However, they took the lead in the 12^th minute through a poacher's finish from Milito. A great cross from Ricardo Alvarez found the Argentina international at the near post and he made no mistakes to poke the ball past Antonio Mirante.

Then just before the 20 minute mark Inter doubled their lead through a fantastic strike from Motta. After Milito saw his powerful drive blocked, the ball fell to the former Barcelona midfielder, whose first time drive left Mirante with no chance.

Minutes later, the visitors missed a glorious opportunity to get themselves back into the game when former Inter winger Jonathan Biabiany burst past Maicon before producing a fabulous cross for the unmarked Sebastian Giovinco, but the former Juventus forward’s tame header sailed harmlessly wide.

Just before the half hour mark, Giovinco went close again, but the Italy international's swerving freekick was denied by a great save from Julio Cesar.

Parma would rue their missed chances as the Nerazzurri struck again just before the break. A fantastic cross from Maicon on the right flank found Milito in the centre of the area, and the former Genoa striker’s powerful header flew straight into the top corner.

The second half began with Inter still dominating the game and in the 56^th minute they grabbed their fourth of the evening through Pazzini. Milito put the former Sampdoria striker through on goal, who made easy work of lifting the ball over Mirante to kill the game off.

The tempo of the match dipped with Claudio Ranieri's side leaing 4-0, but Giovinco almost grabbed a consolation goal for Parma in the 70^th minute after a magnificent solo run, but the forward’s low drive from the edge of the box went inches past the post. 

Then with just over 10 minutes to go, the Nerazzurri made it five through a fantastic strike from substitute Faraoni when the youngster smashed in a volley from the edge of the area to grab his first goal for Inter.

The result sees Ranieri's men pick up their fifth straight victory in Serie A, moving them at least temporarily to within three points of Udinese in third, and just five behind leaders AC Milan, whom they will meet in the derby next Sunday.