Inter Milan have move three points clear at the top of Serie A after Geoffrey Kondogbia's goal gave them a hard-fought victory away to Torino.

Il Toro, who came into the game only five points off a European spot, almost took the lead at the Stadio Olimpico when Giuseppe Vives brought an early save out of Bosnian keeper Samir Handanovic.

After Marco Benassi struck his shot against the bar for Torino, it was the Nerazzurri who edged in front as Rodrigo Palacio's cushioned header allowed Kondogbia to finish past Daniele Padelli.

Ex-Liverpool keeper Padelli kept his side in the contest moments later as he denied Mauro Icardi the opportunity to score Inter's second.

After the break, it was Handanovic who was called into action as he stopped efforts from Bruno Peres and Fabio Quagliarella to keep the Milanese side in front.

Quagliarella and Benassi tested the Inter keeper again in the dying stages, but the visitors held out to move three clear of Fiorentina, who still have a game in hand.