INTER MILAN starting XI (3-5-2): Sommer, Pavard (subbed for Darmian), De Vrij, Carlos Augusto, Dumfries, Barella, Asllani, Zielinski  (subbed for Mkhitaryan), Dimarco (subbed for Bastoni), Taremi (subbed for Thuram), Lautaro Martinez (subbed for Arnautovic)

Bench: Josep Martinez, Calligaris, Palacios, Acerbi, Buchanan, De Pieri, Topalovic, Frattesi

Goals: Martinez 55’, Dumfries 79’, Thuram 89’

EMPOLI starting XI (3-4-2-1): Vasquez, De Sciglio  (subbed for Goglichidze), Ismajli, Viti, Gyasi, Grassi (subbed for Henderson), Maleh, Pezzella (subbed for Sambia), Cacace  (subbed for Zurkowski), Fazzini  (subbed for Esposito), Colombo

Bench: Seghetti, Perisan, Tosto, Marianucci, Konate, Asmussen

Goals: Esposito 83’

Inter captain Lautaro Martinez netted the opener to help the Nerazzurri move to within three points of Napoli, who won 3-2 at third-placed Atalanta on Saturday. Inter have a match in hand.

Inter found it hard to get past a resolute Empoli defence, but Lautaro broke the deadlock in stunning fashion 10 minutes into the second half when he curled a powerful shot into the top right corner from 20 metres.

Dumfries headed in Inter’s second in the 79th minute for his fourth goal in five matches.

Sebastiano Esposito held up his hands in apology after pulling one back for Empoli four minutes later. The 22-year-old - who has been in prolific form with 10 goals this season - is on loan at Empoli from Inter.

Marcus Thuram sealed the result with one minute remaining.

The result means Empoli remain a point above the drop zone.

AAP

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