Inter Milan lead Fiorentina at half time at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, courtesy of Rodrigo Palacio's goal.

The first chance of the Serie A contest fell to the visitors, as Palacio broke forward from midfield before striking the woodwork.

The Nerazzurri cranked up the pressure in search of an opener as Hernanes's cross nearly found Yuto Nagatomo in the opposition box, only for a Fiorentina player to clear the danger.

The visitors continued pushing forward and nearly got their reward when Diego Millito cut inside before firing a shot away, but he could only find the side-netting.

Palacio did manage to find the back of the net shortly after, however, taking down Fredy Guarin's chipped pass and firing past Neto in the Viola goal to give Inter a half-time lead.