CLUJ - Inter have seen off Cluj 3-0 tonight, and storm into the Europa League last 16, 5-0 on aggregate. Fredy Guarin bagged two and Benassi added a third late on, and the Nerazzurri will now meet Tottenham Hotspur for a place in the quarter finals.
Cassano missed a great chance after 10 minutes as he fired over when one-on-one with Felgueiras. After 22 minutes Alvarez showed quick feet before steering it through to Palacio: the Argentine looked up and unselfishly rolled the ball square to Guarin to tuck into the empty net and give the Nerazzurri the lead.
The Colombian didn't stop there however: once again Alvarez was involved, picking up the ball after Felgueiras had fumbled, and his pass gave Guarin another straightforward finish. Cluj found themselves a man down, ten minutes from time, as Camora hauled down Benassi when through on goal. Inter also finished the match with only ten men on the field as a muscle injury forced Ranocchia off with a few minutes to play. On 88 minutes Benassi was celebrating his first professional goal as he poked under the advancing Felgueiras, following a delicious ball from Cassano, and made it 3-0 to Inter.
A late equaliser from Tottenham sent them through 3-2 on aggregate over Lyon and the English side will meet the Nerazzurri in the last 16. The first leg will be played at London's White Hart Lane on 7 March.
Cluj 0-3 Inter (HT: 0-1)
Scorers: Guarin 22, 45+1, Benassi 88.
Cluj: 1 Felgueiras; 20 Cadu, 13 Piccolo, 24 Rada (Kapetanos 36); 23 Godemeche; 3 Ivo Pinto, 6 Muresan (Hora 9), 8 Sepsi, 45 Camora; 14 Maah, 30 Rui Pedro (Valente 71).
Subs not used: 44 Stancioiu, 12 Maftei, 19 Bjelanovic, 26 Celestino.
Coach: Paulo Sergio.
Inter: 1 Handanovic; 4 Zanetti, 23 Ranocchia, 40 Juan Jesus, 31 Pereira; 11 Alvarez (Pasa 54), 19 Cambiasso, 29 Kovacic; 14 Guarin (Mbaye 66); 8 Palacio (Benassi 46), 99 Cassano.
Subs not used: 27 Belec, 21 Gargano, 26 Chivu, 49 Terrani.
Coach: Andrea Stramaccioni.
Referee: Pawel Gil (POL).
Booked: Kovacic 16, Kapetanos 38, Cadu 84.
Sent off: Camora 80.
Added time: 3+3 minutes.
