MILAN - A 2-1 victory over Empoli in the last home game of the season saw Inter clinch fourth place and direct qualification to the Europa League group stage.
The Nerazzurri made a strong start and took the lead when Ivan Perisic scampered down the wing and picked out Mauro Icardi in the centre of the box, the Argentine blasting an unstoppable shot past Alberto Pelagotti.
Manuel Pucciarelli levelled the scores in the 37th minute after collecting Massimo Maccarone's low cross and firing across Samir Handanovic into the net, but Roberto Mancini's side restored the lead just three minutes later: Pelagotti could only parry Stevan Jovetic's shot from the edge of the box and Perisic pounced to turn the loose ball home.
The second half was a low-key affair but Inter held on to claim the points and make sure they will be playing European football next season.
Inter 2-1 Empoli (HT 2-1)
Scorers: Icardi 12, Pucciarelli 37, Perisic 40.
Inter: 1 Handanovic; 33 D'Ambrosio, 25 Miranda, 5 Jesus, 55 Nagatomo; 83 Melo, 7 Kondogbia; 77 Brozovic, 10 Jovetic (23 Eder 63), 44 Perisic (17 Medel 90+3); 9 Icardi (11 Biabiany 66).
Subs not used: 30 Carrizo, 46 Berni, 8 Palacio, 12 Telles, 17 Medel, 21 Santon, 22 Ljajic, 27 Gnoukouri, 97 Manaj.
Coach: Roberto Mancini
Empoli: 1 Pelagotti; 3 Zambelli (82' Bittante 6), 26 Tonelli, 15 Costa, 21 Mario Rui; 17 Zielinski (82' Maiello 13), 32 Paredes, 77 Buchel (69' Croce 11); 5 Saponara; 20 Pucciarelli, 7 Maccarone.
Subs not used: 1 Pugliesi, 55 Giacomel, 14 Diousse, 19 Fantacci, 24 Cosic, 31 Camporese, 33 Krunic, 37 Ariaudo, 99 Tchanturia.
Coach: Marco Giampaolo
Booked: Buchel 21, Nagatomo 50, Handanovic 86, Perisic 87.
Added time: 0+4.
Referee: Di Bello.
Assistants: Ranghetti, Tasso.
Fourth official: Paganessi.
Additional assistants: Giacomelli, Aureliano.
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