Ghanaian international midfielder Muntari opened the scoring after 13 minutes when his cross-come-shot deceived Catania keeper Andrea Campagnolo.

Dutch playmaker Sneijder added the second in the 32nd minute with a superb curling free-kick.

He was replaced with Serbian midfielder Dejan Stankovic in the 73rd minute after seemingly picking up an injury.

Catania's Giuseppe Mascara pulled one back when he converted a penalty with six minutes remaining but Inter held onto their lead to claim their third successive win.

The Nerazzurri, who eye a fifth consecutive Serie A triumph, are on top of the table with 22 points, two ahead of second-placed Sampdoria who crushed Bologna 4-1 earlier in the day.