A Diego Milito double has secured a deserved 2-1 win for Inter Milan over Siena at the San Siro.
The visitors made a bright start to the match and went ahead after six minutes, Gaetano D'Agostino finishing off a devastating counter-attack.
Andrea Stramaccioni's team responded well and, after Milito and Mauro Zarate had forced good saves out of Gianluca Pegolo, the 32-year-old forward levelled the scores three minutes before half time with a powerful header from a corner.
Inter were superb after the break and, with over 70% of possession, they created chance after chance.
Siena defended doggedly with 10 players behind the ball. Lucio, Zarate and Esteban Cambiasso were all denied by last ditch blocks.
However, the pressure finally told and, with 10 minutes remaining, Daniele Mannini brought down substitute Yuto Nagatomo and Milito calmly converted the spot kick.
Inter are now only three points behind Udinese, who occupy the final Champions League place.
Robert Summerscales
