In their final game before travelling to Stamford Bridge, next Tuesday's Champions League opponents Inter suffered their first defeat in 18 games.

In a Serie A match held on Friday evening, Jose Mourinho's side lost 3-1 away at Catania who move up to 15th place with the three points gained.

Diego Milito, who scored the opener against Chelsea in the San Siro, put the Nerazzurri in front early in the second half but Catania equalised 20 minutes later before Inter were reduced to 10 men.

Former Portsmouth midfielder Sulley Muntari was sent off after giving away a penalty from which the home side took an 81st minute lead. The Ghanaian earned two yellow cards within two minutes of coming on as a sub.

The third goal was added in the final minute and Inter's lead at the top of the Serie A table could be cut to just one point if AC Milan beat Chievo on Sunday.

Inter: Julio Cesar; Maicon, Lucio, Materazzi, Zanetti; Stankovic (Pandev 77), Cambiasso (Muntari 79), Mariga (Quaresma 46); Sneijder; Milito, Eto'o.
Subs not used: Toldo, Orlandoni, Cordoba, Krhin.