Gary Medel's long-range strike has earned Inter Milan a 1-0 lead at the halfway stage of their Serie A clash at the San Siro.

An uneventful opening was almost followed by a spectacular goal when Fredy Guarin tried his luck from inside Inter's half of the pitch, but Wojciech Szczesny managed to track back to keep the ball out.

Inter controlled the ball for long spells, but the first clear opportunity was created by Roma on the break as Miralem Pjanic crossed for Edin Dzeko, whose powerful header was tipped wide by Samir Handanovic.

Roma looked threatening in the final third of the pitch and caused more problems when Handanovic could only push Maicon's shot into the path of Dzeko, but Danilo D'Ambrosio made a crucial tackle to deny the former Manchester City striker.

The visitors were made to regret missing the opportunities on offer as Medel capitalised on space offered to him close to 30 yards from goal by unleashing a powerful low strike which beat Szczesny's outstretched hand.