Internazionale got back to winning ways with a 2-0 victory over struggling Reggina at the Giuseppe Meazza.

First half goals from Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Nicolas Burdisso extended the champions' lead at the top of the Serie A table to nine points, with nearest rivals Roma not playing until Sunday.

The win was the Nerazzurri's first in five attempts and sent out a clear signal that Roberto Mancini's side are not quite ready to loosen their grip on the Scudetto title, despite a recent wobble in form.

And with Liverpool arriving in Milan next week, the performance served as perfect preparation for their decisive Champions League last 16 tie.

Inter - who are celebrating their centenary this weekend - took the lead through Ibrahimovic's 14th minute spot kick after Esteben Cambiasso was upended by a clumsy combination of Carlos Adrian Valdez and Luca Tognozzi.

While there was no question that a foul had been committed, doubts existed over whether the offence was inside the box or, as television replays later showed, just outside.

That lead was then doubled after 34 minutes, defender Burdisso heading past Andrea Campagnolo from a standing position after Luis Jiminez had whipped a dangerous free-kick into the penalty area.

Ibrahimovic rattled the cross bar with a barnstorming free-kick just before the half-time whistle, but it was not plain sailing all the way for Inter and Reggina had chances of their own to get on the scoresheet. Indeed, they would have done had it not been for the impressive Julio Cesar in the Inter goal.

The Brazilian was called into action on several occasions, pulling off a top-drawer save from Francesco Modesto before making two stops in quick succession - first to deny Edgar Barreto and then Salvatore Aronica - just before the half hour mark.

The keeper was again the centre of attention before the half-time whistle, saving with his feet from Aronica, before acrobatically denying substitute Emil Hallfredsson with 13 minutes remaining.

But Inter never really looked in danger of losing their lead and they will welcome Liverpool on Tuesday on a high after having ended their uncharacteristic winless streak.

Meanwhile, the result leaves Reggina deep in relegation trouble, three points clear of safety with their nearest rivals still to play this weekend.

In Saturday's other match, Palermo in eighth drew 1-1 with sixth-placed Udinese after Fabio Simplicio's 20-metre volley for the Sicilians was cancelled out by Felipe's second-half goal.

Mike Hytner / Eurosport