Inter on top of the world

Inter Milan claimed the Club World Cup title on Saturday with a comprehensive 3-0 win over African champions TP Mazembe in Abu Dhabi.

Goran Pandev and Samuel Eto’o struck in the first half before a late goal from substitute Jonathan Biabiany gave Rafael Benitez’s side their third world title following triumphs in the former Intercontinental Cup in 1964 and 1965.

The victory gives Inter a much-needed boost as they seek to re-invigorate their stuttering Serie A campaign, in which they languish 10 points behind leaders AC Milan.

It was Macedonia striker Pandev who opened the scoring, slotting the ball home on 13 minutes after Eto’o threaded a pass that Kazembe Mihayo failed to clear.

Cameroon forward Eto’o extended Inter’s advantage in the 17th minute when he latched onto a squared pass from Javier Zanetti before sending a piercing drive past Mazembe goalkeeper Muteba Kidiaba.

The match could have been put to rest before the half-time break had Diego Milito taken advantage of good opportunities in the 25th and 42nd minutes, but his surges into the Mezembe penalty area were thwarted by Kidiaba.

The Africans put on a brave display in the second half and only the intervention of Inter goalkeeper Julio Cesar prevented the dangerous Dioko Kaluyituka from pulling one back just after the hour mark.

The Brazilian custodian again denied Kaluyituka when he blocked the striker’s break into the box after he had outwitted Inter defender Lucio.

French winger Biabiany completed the victory in the 85th minute when he was played in by a meticulous pass from Dejan Stankovic before skipping past Kidiaba and slotting the ball into an empty goal.

The win closed an outstanding year for Inter, with the Italian giants ending 2010 with their fifth major trophy after triumphs in the Champions League, Serie A, Coppa Italia and European Super Cup.