The Nerazzurri slipped to an unexpected defeat at Fenerbahce in their first Group G game, but took the lead in the San Siro when Ibrahimovic, who had scored seven goals in seven games this season before Tuesday's fixture, scored a penalty after 15 minutes.

And the Serie A leaders doubled their advantage just past the half-hour through an Ibrahimovic header, though they had to play the final 25 minutes with 10 men after Christian Chivu was dismissed.

Inter were on the front foot from the off and when Chivu's short corner arrived at Dejan Stankovic, the Serbian's shot from 12 yards was held by Heurelho Gomes.

Ibrahimovic tried to get his range early on as he shot from the edge of the box but he fired wide, before Walter Samuel followed suit.

With nearly 10 minutes on the clock, PSV registered their first effort but Edison Mendez could not find the target.

Julio Cesar was called into action after 12 minutes as Kenneth Perez shot from inside the area - the Brazilian stopper saved with his feet.

However, moments later Jan Kromkamp felled Ibrahimovic inside the area and the Sweden international dusted himself down before calmly placing the ball past Gomes.

PSV searched for an immediate reply as Jason Culina crossed, but Danko Lazovic headed wide.

Ibrahimovic grabbed his second - and his ninth of the season - after 31 minutes.

Luis Figo was the provider as the Portuguese sent a deep cross into the area which Ibrahimovic latched onto, nodding the ball over Gomes and into the back of the net.

Four minutes before the break, Samuel fouled Farfan 25 yards from goal.

The Peruvian sent his free-kick straight into the wall and the rebound fell to Carlos Salcido, but the Mexico international could not keep his attempt down.

The second half began in cagey fashion as PSV struggled to find a way back into the game.

As the clock ticked towards the hour mark, Timmy Simons tried his luck from distance but fired wide, before Culina did likewise moments later.

PSV were offered a way back into the game when Chivu was dismissed after 65 minutes.

Having already seen yellow for a foul on Lazovic, the Romanian raised a boot to Culina to earn his second booking.

This only seemed to inspire the hosts, though, as Stankovic and substitute David Suazo both had decent chances which they failed to make the most of.

At the other end, Figo fouled Lazovic 30 yards from goal to hand PSV a free-kick which Perez took, but Cesar parried.

After 74 minutes, Suazo had another chance and faired better this time - drawing a save from Gomes who turned the ball out for a corner.

With 10 minutes to play, an inswinging Perez corner found Salcido, who could not keep his header down.

Simons sent one last desperate effort over the bar in stoppage time and Inter held on for three points.

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There was further drama after the final whistle as Suazo was shown the red card for a tussle with Salcido.

He will now miss Inter's trip to CSKA Moscow in three weeks along with Chivu.