Inter extend Serie A lead to 10 points with win at Lecce

Henrikh Mkhitaryan's second-half goal helped Inter Milan move 10 points clear at the Serie A summit with a 2-0 win at Lecce on Saturday.

Cristian Chivu's Inter struggled to break down their stubborn hosts but 37-year-old Mkhitaryan and Manuel Akanji struck late to put the pressure on second-placed AC Milan ahead of their match against Parma on Sunday.

Inter suffered a surprise 3-1 defeat by Norwegians Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League knockout play-off first leg in midweek, but have now won seven successive games in Serie A.

They were given a boost by Milan's draw with Como on Wednesday and strengthened their grip on the title race further at Lecce as they look to regain the Scudetto from Napoli.

Inter wing-back Luis Henrique had an early effort cleared off the line by Lecce defender Jamil Siebert, before home goalkeeper Wladimiro Falcone made a fine save to deny Pio Esposito.

Falcone was called into action again in the 36th minute, tipping an Esposito header around the post, and Davide Frattesi fired over shortly afterwards.

Inter thought they had scored six minutes after the restart but Federico Dimarco's effort was ruled out after a VAR review for a tight offside against Marcus Thuram in the build-up.

The visitors finally made their dominance count with 15 minutes remaining, though, as Mkhitaryan fired home a half-volley through a crowded penalty area.

Inter put the game to bed when Akanji headed in a Dimarco corner with eight minutes remaining.