Julio Cruz's strike six minutes after the re-start cancelled out Marco Ferrante's opener in the first half before Serbian defender Sinisa Mihajlovic sealed the victory for the Nerazzurri.

Argentinean striker Cruz was sent off five minutes before the end due to second booking after he sarcastically applauded the referee.

The win put Inter temporarily in second spot of the Serie A table with 71 points, one ahead of arch-rivals AC Milan who play Chievo on Sunday.

Ferrante put Ascoli ahead in the 21st minute from the penalty spot after Fabio Quagliarella's shirt was tugged by Nigerian international striker Obafemi Martins.

Inter Milan were also awarded a penalty kick in the 51st minute, Cruz stepped-up and successfully converted it into the back of the net.

Mihajlovic secured the precious win four minutes later when he sent a trademark free kick from the edge of the area past Ascoli keeper.