Walter Samuel's second-half header has given Inter Milan their first win of 2014 against Sassuolo in Serie A.

It was a quiet start for both teams, with Inter in particular struggling to create chances and get new signing Hernanes on the ball.

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That was until Fredy Guarin unleashed a drive from 30 yards that stung the hands of Sassuolo keeper Gianluca Pegolo, before Hernanes curled an effort inches wide of the post.

Sassuolo's Lorenzo Ariaudo then came close to opening the scoring when he headed over from a Domenico Berardi free kick.

Berardi's free kicks were proving particularly dangerous and Inter keeper Samir Handanovic had to be alert to tip another set piece round the post.

Rodrigo Palacio's explosive pace soon got him past the covering Sassuolo defenders, but his pull-back into the box was hit straight at Pegolo by Diego Milito and the chance went begging.

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Palacio was at it again minutes later, with Milito missing a golden chance once more to put his side in front just before half time.

Inter's frustration with going at half time level disappeared three minutes after the restart when Walter Samuel slammed a header into the back of the net from a Hernanes corner.

Jonathan, Hernanes and Ruben Motta were all guilty of missing opportunities to double the advantage for Inter, but Walter Mazzarri's side eventually saw out the game and secured the points.