Inter Milan have scored twice against Udinese during a dominant first half at the Stadio Friuli, stamping their authority on the clash thanks to strikes from Rodrigo Palacio and Andrea Ranocchia.

Walter Mazzarri's side started brightly as Esteban Cambiasso hammered an early shot on target that needed to be tipped over by Zeljko Brkic.

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Udinese conceded possession cheaply throughout the first period and were punished by conceding the opener on 25 minutes, as Palacio headed home Saphir Taider's precise free kick.

Four minutes later the Nerazzurri doubled their advantage from another set piece, with Ranocchia volleying into an empty net after Brkic came off his line but failed to collect a looping corner kick.

Inter lost Walter Samuel through injury just before the break but were still able to maintain their advantage, as Emmanuel Badu's cutback just evaded Antonio Di Natale.