Inter 1-0 Torino: Brozovic spares Nerazzurri blushes in Lukaku's absence

A final volley from Marcelo Brozovic spared Inter blushes as they overcame the absence of Romelu Lukaku to snatch a 1-0 win over Torino in Milan.

The Croatian latched on to Nicolo Barella's lob in the box in the 89th minute to head the ball just past Vanja Milinkovic-Savic and spark wild celebrations.

Inter, still without an injured Lukaku following his absence for their midweek UEFA Champions League loss to Bayern Munich, had looked lackluster throughout, without a spike.

But Simone Inzaghi will always take this victory with all the jubilation with which it was greeted, while Ivan Juric will have to lament what might have been for his stubborn visitors.

Despite the rowdy atmosphere, an air of caution seemed to pervade both teams early on, with more ball and more shots for Inter despite the lack of a threatening aura.

Lautaro Martinez's gifts were oddly blunted in front of the Nerazzurri goal, while Nikola Vlasic forced the only really noticeable save of the first half in the 20th minute to keep the visitors on their heels.

There was more urgency to the proceedings after the break, but even then golden chances were scarce for both teams.

But when Brozovic beat the offside trap to get up in the box and volley high in the air just around the goalkeeper's scrambling arms from six yards out, the roar that erupted around the San Siro was deafening to watch.

For Inter, so toothless everywhere else, it was a dramatic salvation to get them back on the path to victory - but they will always know that such a bailout won't come every week.