A penalty from Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the 14th minute and a Nicolas Burdisso header 20 minutes later earned Roberto Mancini's side all three points, although they were outplayed for much of the game by their struggling opponents.

Inter goalkeeper Julio Cesar was the man of the match as he kept Reggina at bay with some fine saves.

Palermo's hopes for a UEFA Cup place took a blow after they were held to a 1-1 draw at home to rivals Udinese.

Needing a win to close the four-point gap behind them and the sixth-placed Bianconeri, Palermo took the lead through Fabio Simplico's 32nd-minute strike but Felipe levelled for Udinese midway through the second half.