Second-half strikes
The assured finishes meant that Inter are already confirmed as Group G winners with a match to spare after a fourth straight victory since their Matchday 1 loss in Istanbul. Fenerbahçe remain second but must win at home to PFC CSKA Moskva in a fortnight to ensure PSV Eindhoven cannot overtake them with three points at home to Inter.

Higher stakes
On Inter coach Roberto Mancini's 43rd birthday, Fenerbahçe chief Zico had said he was hoping for a present from CSKA, for had they avoided defeat against PSV in the early kick-off, both the Italian and Turkish champions would have been through. Instead PSV won to raise the stakes in Milan where only victory would guarantee either side’s progress.

Stanković return
Inter's recent injury dilemma was partially eased by the return of Dejan Stanković and he threaded a clever early ball through to Julio Cruz, who stretched to find Maxwell on the left. The Brazilian's cross was met by Ibrahimović only for his shot to be blocked by Edu. Stanković was also at the end of a right-wing cross by Javier Zanetti 13 minutes in, but the Serbia midfielder failed to direct it goalwards.

Inter pressure
Although the pace of Gökçek Vederson and Gökan Gönül on both flanks made the visitors threatening on the break they were largely reduced to long shots. Vederson and Roberto Carlos scarcely troubled Júlio César with hopeful attempts. It was another South American, Cruz, who dragged his shot from 18 metres across goal on 28 minutes, Stanković following suit with a similar effort on the half-hour, moments after Selçuk Şahin had turned Ibrahimović's low cross over his own crossbar as the hosts began to turn the screw.

Opening goal
Ten minutes after the restart the Nerazzurri threatened again when Ibrahimović fed Cruz on the left and the striker curled his right-footed shot just over. The visitors almost caught Inter cold when Alex was left unmarked in the area but the Brazilian playmaker sent his shot wide and would rue the missed chance. Maxwell, receiving possession on the left, raced to the byline and centred for Cruz, who just got his head to the ball as Edu attempted to clear.

Win sealed
The noise of the 5,000-strong away fans behind Volkan Demirel's goal had been stilled and there was even less for them to cheer about midway through the second half when Ibrahimović made it 2-0. The danger again came from the left, this time through Cristian Chivu, whose centre was left by Cruz and controlled by the 26-year-old at the far post. He had time to pick his spot to become the first player to five UEFA Champions League goals this season. Chile midfielder Jiménez came off the bench for his second competition appearance and added a maiden goal as a further present for Mancini.