Serie A - Late Palacio magic gives Inter Milan derby spoils

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     OOJ  - AC Milan's Mario Balotelli (C) fights for the ball with Inter Milan's Esteban Cambiasso (L) and Rolando during their Italian Serie A soccer match at San Siro stadium in Milan December 

Rodrigo Palacio's stunning late backheel gave Internazionale a 1-0 derby win over struggling AC Milan at the San Siro.

Palacio, who had a quiet match by his standards, improvised brilliantly as the ball fizzed low into the Milan box with four minutes remaining.

Sulley Muntari was dismissed for violent conduct as Inter tried to waste time late on, with the nominal hosts clinging on as the 10-man Rossoneri piled men forward.

Milan had dominated large spells of the match but failed to find a way past Samir Handanovic. The defeat means they lie 13th in Serie A, 27 points behind leaders Juventus.

Inter, meanwhile, are fifth, but are five points shy of third-placed Napoli.