The Italian champions twice struck the woodwork in the first half before the Holland international notched the game's only goal 16 minutes after the restart.

Inter coach Jose Mourinho, himself under the spotlight after a weekend bust-up with a journalist after the 1-1 draw with Atalanta, made a string of changes to his line-up with goalkeeper Francesco Toldo handed a first start of the season and Giulio Donati given a senior debut at right-back.

The Nerazzurri almost forged ahead in the third minute when Dejan Stankovic unleashed a fierce 20-yard shot but was denied by the post.

The woodwork again came to Livorno's rescue half an hour later as Sneijder curled a free-kick against the upright.

The deadlock was broken just after the hour when Inter were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the Livorno box after Nelson Rivas, on loan with Livorno from Inter, had denied Mario Balotelli a goalscoring opportunity by handling the ball.

Sneijder stepped up with a trademark curling free-kick, which proved to be the difference between the teams as Inter booked their place in the last eight.