Inter Milan return to Serie A summit by ending Empoli run

Inter Milan returned to the top of Serie A with a narrow 1-0 win over Empoli this evening.

In the early stages of the first half it was hosts Empoli, who had won four in a row before the recent winter break, that created the better chances, but they were unable to really test Samir Handanovic.

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Inter then snuck in front in first-half stoppage time when Mauro Icardi squeezed a near-post effort home from Ivan Perisic's cross.

The second half again had few clear-cut chances, with Riccardo Saponara spurning the best opening when he fired straight at Handanovic.

The Nerazzurri had been briefly overtaken by Fiorentina earlier today, but are now back on top by a point. Empoli, meanwhile, stay eighth.