Inter Milan midfielder Thiago Motta, right, celebrates after scoring against Cagliari at the San Siro stadium (Photo: AP)
The victory at the San Siro lifted the Nerazzurri three points clear of the relegation zone.
Having hit the crossbar twice in the first half, Inter took the lead in the 54th minute following a free kick from Ricardo Alvarez. Giampaolo Pazzini flicked the ball on to Thiago Motta, whose goal from the edge of the box was allowed despite appearing offside.
Coutinho then finished off a swift counterattack with a low shot from the edge of the area in the 60th.
Argentine forward Joaquin Larrivey pulled one back for Cagliari in the 88th by redirecting a pass from the center of the area.
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