Inter took all three points at the San Siro this evening after a nervy 1-0 win over Cagliari, thanks to a controversial Andrea Ranocchia goal.

The away side started the match well and had a couple of early opportunities, as  Andrea Lazzari's shot was tipped over the bar by Julio Cesar, then a Daniele Conti header flew just wide.

Inter came through this early period of Cagliari dominance and took the lead in the seventh minute. Houssine Kharja’s shot deflected in off Michele Canini and Ranocchia, but despite the Inter defender being in an offside position when the ball was struck, the goal stood, leaving Cagliari feeling a little aggrieved.

Settled by the goal, Inter asserted a cool dominance on the match and looked particularly dangerous on the right side as Maicon bombed forward at will and Giampaolo Pazzini saw a header go just wide.

Then, just as the half drew to a close Davide Biondini had a sliding shot well blocked by Ivan Cordoba, not long after his long range effort had rolled inches wide.

Cagliari came out reinvigorated and Lazzari signalled their intent with a wild effort from range, then Robert Acquafresca saw his shot from a Conti cross bounce wide.

Roberto Donadoni’s men were more threatening as they pressed their opponents well, but lacked quality in the final third, but did go close once more through Conti, whose deflected effort was agonisingly close.

But despite looking tired and rarely having a shot in the second period, Inter managed to see out the game and take three valuable points.

As a result they move into second place, for 24 hours at least, while Cagliari remain in ninth.