Ibrahimovic scores brace as Inter notch first win at Empoli

 The Swedish star confirmed to be Inter's most inspired player in this early part of the season when he put the champions ahead on 14 minutes, connecting with a Douglas Maicon cross to score from close- range despite a tight firing angle.

 His striking mate David Suazo on 45 minutes saw Daniele Balli dive to deflect his fast drive from under the bar, while the Tuscany underdogs had good first-half chances through Luca Saudati and Luca Antonini.

 The home crowd complained right after Ibra's goal as the spurting Saudati was floored in the area and on 35 minutes were disappointed to watch a smashing shot from Antonini fly wide by a hairsbreadth to the left of Francesco Toldo.

 Suazo opened the second half with a fast spurt and a shot that forced Balli's great deflection, but a rough period awaited Inter, beginning with a Davide Moro long-distance drive that Toldo punched away on 55 minutes.

 The veteran keeper, who was filling in for the suspended Julio Cesar, on 62 minutes had some problems deflecting a dangerous cross from Vittorio Tosto and miraculously managed to save with his foot a header from Nicola Pozzi on 68 minutes.

 Just when Inter seemed close to capitulating under the hosts' pressing, Ibra secured his side's win ruthlessly beating Balli as he topped a counter attack with an accurate shot on 83 minutes.

 Inter now have four points from two games, one more than title contenders Roma, AC Milan and Juventus, who are still to play respective weekend games against Siena, Fiorentina and Cagliari.

DPA