A first-half goal from Stevan Jovetic has given Inter Milan a 1-0 lead over Serie A newcomers Carpi at half time in their match at Stadio Alberto Braglia.

Samir Handanovic had to be alert early on as the home side tried their luck from long range through Lorenzo Lollo, but the keeper was able to parry it clear.

Inter started to see more of the ball as the half progressed, but Davide Santon was unable to find his teammates with a lofted pass into the box, while a low cross from Juan Jesus was cleared by the hosts.

Rodrigo Palacio crossed the ball in from the left as the visitors continued to look for the opening goal, but it went straight out for a goal kick, while Jovetic found Gary Medel with a through-ball, but the midfielder could not get his shot away.

Jovetic continued to cause problems for the Carpi defenders though, opening the scoring with a tap-in just after the half-hour mark as Zeljko Brkic parried the ball straight into the striker's path.