Gianvito Plasmati stunned the San Siro by putting Catania ahead in the 42nd minute, but a deflected goal from Ricardo Quaresma restored parity a minute later.

Inter then lost Sulley Muntari to a red card just before the break, but a disputable own goal from Christian Terlizzi early in the second half gave Inter the spoils.

In Serie A's only other game, Davide Ballardini celebrated a winning start to his reign as Palermo coach as his side beat Roma 3-1.

An injury-hit Roma made the better start to the game and went ahead thanks to Julio Baptista's goal in the eighth minute.

But it was one-way traffic thereafter as Fabrizio Miccoli equalised in the 20th minute before putting the Rosaneri ahead in the 57th minute.

Edison Cavani sealed the win in the 73rd minute, converting a third excellent assist from Fabio Simplicio.