Goals either side of half time have given Inter Milan a comfortable 2-0 away victory over a 10-man Parma side in Serie A this afternoon.

Parma could have found the lead early on had it not been for Samir Handanovic, who pulled off a standout save to stop Antonio Cassano's bullet header from flying into the back of the net.

Cassano threatened again minutes later when he produced a run to get on to Cristian Molinaro's through-ball, but couldn't find the finish despite a good first touch as he sliced the ball wide of goal.

Inter almost hit back through Mauro Icardi, who was able to get on the end of a corner from Hernanes, but the Argentine striker could only guide the ball wide of the post.

Rodrigo Palacio showed some fine skill just before the break to produce a dipping volley that tested Antonio Mirante, before Cassano saw a penalty saved by Handanovic on the stroke of half time.

Parma couldn't have wished for a worse start to the second half when Gabriel Paletta was shown a second yellow for a lunge on Palacio.

However, things became even bleaker in the 48th minute as Rolando jumped highest to angle an adroit header into the net and give Inter the lead.

The away side wrapped up the three points just before the final whistle when Freddy Guarin thundered in a low strike to leave the final score at 2-0.