Esteban Cambiasso’s sixth-minute volley had given Claudio Ranieri’s men the perfect start in a confident first-half display but two Catania goals in the first five minutes of the second half turned the game on its head.

Sergio Almiron bent in a superb equaliser for the home side two minutes after the restart before Francesco Lodi converted a penalty as the Sicilian side ran out worthy winners.

Catania have climbed to sixth in the standings with nine points while Inter, who have lost their last two games under new coach Ranieri, have just four points and face the prospect of falling into the relegation zone after Sunday’s matches.