Inter Milan claimed a narrow advantage to take into the second leg of their

Coppa Italia semi-final against Fiorentina as Diego Milito's goal proved the

difference in a 1-0 win at the San Siro.

The hosts have claimed 18 points more than the Viola in Serie A this season but

their perceived superiority was little in evidence as the visitors battled hard

against the league leaders but without reward.

Milito settled the first leg with the only goal after 34 minutes to install

Jose Mourinho's men as narrow favourites ahead of the return leg in Florence on

April 14.

McDonald Mariga, a deadline-day arrival at the San Siro from Parma following

the collapse of his move to Manchester City, made his Inter debut as a late

second-half substitute.