Pio Esposito's late strike broke the resistance of strugglers Lecce after a much-changed Inter side had toiled to break down their visitors.

The Nerazzurri moved six points clear of AC Milan at the summit, their city rivals having the chance to respond away at Como on Thursday, and cashed in on another slip by defending champions Napoli - who drew a third successive league match 0-0 at home to Parma.

Captain Lautaro Martínez was given a rare night off as Ange-Yoan Bonny started up front. The Frenchman was denied by a fine save from Wladimiro Falcone in the opening minutes.

He then twisted inside the Lecce box after 24 minutes and was awarded a penalty for a challenge by Danilo Veiga, only for it to be overturned following a VAR review.

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Cristian Chivu's side failed to create another significant chance as relegation-battling Lecce were level at the interval.

Stand-in Inter skipper Nicolò Barella almost broke the deadlock with a header moments after the break but was denied by a strong hand from Falcone.

Inter continued to be frustrated by their dogged visitors and Lecce almost stunned San Siro on 73 minutes as Jamil Siebert's deflected effort forced a fine stop from Yann Sommer.

Substitute Esposito changed the game for Inter, forcing Falcone into a brilliant save before breaking the deadlock after 78 minutes when he bundled in after Martinez's shot was saved.

The 20-year-old Italy international curled just wide moments later as Inter saw the match out for a hard-earned three points.