A debatable penalty on 34 minutes, fired home by Zlatan Ibrahimovic, was enough to secure an unconvincing 1-0 win for the Nerazzurri against relegation-threatened Empoli.

Inter's poor disciplinary record continued as Patrick Vieira was sent off shortly afterwards, but they clung on to leave Empoli in 19th place, although there was late drama as the visitors missed a penalty which would have netted them a vital point.

A massive 34 points separated the teams going into the match, but it was basement boys Empoli who started the brighter.

The visitors almost took a shock lead as early as the second minute as Igli Vannucchi's 25-yard screamer took a wicked deflection off Esteban Cambiasso, but Inter keeper Julio Cesar was on hand to keep it out.

Inter slowly came into the game and almost produced a wonderful opener in the 13th minute as Julio Cruz, Ibrahimovic and Cambiasso combined to set up Luis Jimenez, whose low angled shot was just wide of the far post.

The hosts were beginning to assert their superiority and should have broken the deadlock in the 17th minute.

Ibrahimovic won the ball in his own half and raced down the left flank before whipping in a delightful cross to the far post, but both Jimenez and Dejan Stankovic failed to capitalise.

Empoli almost shot themselves in the foot on 27 minutes as their defence only half-cleared Christian Chivu's curling free-kick, but Cruz blazed over after collecting Cambiasso's pass.

Inter introduced a self-imposed press silence this week in protest at what has been perceived by many as refereeing favouritism towards them.

And that debate was reignited on 34 minutes when the referee awarded the Nerazzurri a dubious penalty, adjudging Vannucchi to have blocked Stankovic's shot with his arm.

Ibrahimovic stepped up to slot home from the spot, sending Empoli keeper Davide Bassi the wrong way.

But their joy was shortlived as just five minutes later Vieira was yellow-carded for a challenge on Francesco Marianini, and then given a second yellow for dissent - seeing Inter reduced to 10 men for the third time in four games.

The man advantage seemed to give Empoli added impetus and they came out after the restart determined to get something from the game.

Antonio Busce should have netted the equaliser on 52 minutes as he latched onto a clever ball by Vannucchi, but Cesar reacted well to make a fingertip save.

Inter almost doubled their advantage on 66 minutes as Cambiasso played a great ball into David Suazo, who flashed his shot just wide.

And Maxwell could have sealed the victory 10 minutes later after a one-two with Nicolas Burdisso, but Bassi reacted well to punch away the Brazilian's effort.

Inter were almost left to rue that missed opportunity as seven minutes from time Empoli were awarded a penalty after a foul on Luca Saudati.

The veteran striker dusted himself off and stepped up to the spot, but Cesar was on hand to deny Empoli the equaliser.