Samuel Eto'o set the Nerazzurri on their way in the 14th minute and Diego Milito added a second just a minute later.

Cesena's Erjon Bogdani reduced the deficit midway through the first half and Emanuele Giaccherini equalised before the half-hour mark, but a breathless opening period ended with Cristian Chivu popping up with the winner for the hosts on the stroke of the interval.

Cesena had Giaccherini sent off with 15 minutes remaining for a second booking.

The result marked Inter's fourth consecutive league win under new coach Leonardo and saw the Nerazzurri moved six points behind leaders AC Milan with a game in hand.