One goal per half helps Inter move past Empoli and maintain their third place in the standings. The Nerazzurri ensure they remain within seven points of Milan, who beat Torino on Tuesday.
Empoli started by giving continuity to their latest performances, to face Inter with an assertive display in the initial minutes. Danilo D’Ambrosio saved a shot from fellow defender Sebastiano Luperto by diving in front of the goal line and keeping the scores tied, just as Empoli had to go in front.
However, once Marcelo Brozovic was unleashed, Inter started having possession and found the net with D’Ambrosio (34), who gained possession back, served Alexis Sanchez and was on the end of a magnificent cross from the Chilean.
The second-half saw Inter much more in possession and the Nerazzurri were never under threat once Samuele Ricci was sent off for a rough challenge on Nicoló Barella.
Roberto Gagliardini came close by hitting the post and Guglielmo Vicario splendidly denied Lautaro Martinez with a save.
Inter’s second goal was near and it came with an initiative from the Argentinian striker, who got hold of the ball on the right-hand side and crossed in for Federico Dimarco, who sealed the game at the 66th minute.
The final minutes saw the Nerazzurri in control in what is only their second clean sheet of the campaign, after seven consecutive games in which they conceded goal.
Empoli are defeated in their ground, which is not proving to be sweet for them. They lost five out of six and conceded 16 of their 20 goals at the Stadio Castellani.
Empoli: Vicario, Stojanovic (82nd Fiamozzi), Ismajili, Luperto, Parisi, Bajrami (57th Haas), Ricci, Bandinelli (68thAsslani), Zurkowski (68th Henderson), Cutrone (68th Mancuso), Pinamonti
Inter: Handanovic, D’Ambrosio, De Vrij (79th Kolarov), Bastoni, Darmian, Barella, Brozovic (72nd Vecino), Gagliardini (84th Sensi), Dimarco, Martinez (84th Dzeko), Sanchez (72nd Correa)
Bookings: Gagliardini, Brozovic, De Vrij (I), Luperto, Ricci (Red) (E)
Goals: 34th D’Ambrosio, 66th Dimarco
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