Dimarco missile fires Inter to victory over Empoli

EMPOLI, Italy : An unstoppable second-half strike from Federico Dimarco gave Inter Milan a 1-0 away win at bottom club Empoli on Sunday, restoring their three-point lead at the top of the Serie A standings.

The victory at Stadio Carlo Castellani left Inter on 15 points after five games, three ahead of second-placed rivals AC Milan, who beat Hellas Verona on Saturday. Empoli remain rooted to the bottom of the table with no points and no goals.

Inter dominated a goalless first half before scoring the opener in the 51st minute when a clearance from a corner fell to Dimarco, whose spectacular volley arrowed into the top corner.

Empoli offered some resistance after going behind and Filippo Ranocchia's free-kick forced a sharp save from keeper Yann Sommer, but Inter held on to win and maintain their 100 per cent league record.