Inter and Milan rediscover winning ways

Claudio Ranieri's reign as FC Internazionale Milano coach got off to the best possible start as his side registered their first competitive victory of the season, at Bologna FC, while AC Milan also rediscovered winning ways against AC Cesena.

Ranieri took over from Gian Piero Gasperini on Thursday following a winless start to the 2011/12 season, and it seemed another disappointing result might be in the offing for Inter when Alessandro Diamante's penalty (66) cancelled out Giampaolo Pazzini's opening strike (39). However, Bologna then conceded a penalty themselves, Archimede Morleo earning a red card for his troubles, and Diego Milito scored from the spot (81). Lucio's late header made it 3-1.

City rivals Milan also recorded their first Serie A victory of the season, against AC Cesena. With Pato, Zlatan Ibrahimović, Robinho and Kevin-Prince Boateng all out injured, Clarence Seedorf took on the scoring responsibilities, producing the winner after just five minutes. Elsewhere, SSC Napoli dropped points for the second match running, after being held to a goalless draw at home by ACF Fiorentina.

Both the Partenopei and the Viola move on to seven points, two above champions Milan, with Inter a point further adrift.