Inter Milan secured an important 1-0 away victory over Cagliari on Sunday evening in the second round of the Italian league.

Hakan Calhanoglu scored the only goal of the match in the ninth minute, sending the defending champions to the top on 6 points, while Cagliari remained on 3 points in 13th place.

Inter needed only 9 minutes to make the breakthrough. Nicolo Barella moved in from the right flank and sent over a cross for Calhanoglu, who hit it first time with his right foot from outside the penalty area and placed it precisely into the bottom corner.

Lautaro Martinez turned smartly and sent an effort just wide, while Manuel Akanji met a Federico Dimarco free-kick but directed his header beyond the far post.

Elia Caprile kept Cagliari in the contest. He first denied Barella's powerful strike, then produced another excellent save to push a fierce Dimarco attempt over the crossbar.

At the start of the second half, Caprile reacted quickly to stop Esposito's effort on the line after yet another pass from Barella. Cagliari then started to grow into the game as it moved past the 60-minute mark.

Curtis Jones made his first appearance for Inter, while Jon Stones was also introduced from the bench. Alessandro Bastoni then failed to keep his effort on target after a delivery from Dimarco.

In the same round, Napoli were beaten 2-1 at home by Como in front of their own supporters.

Martin Baturina gave the visitors the lead in the 17th minute, before Rasmus Hojlund brought Napoli level in the 30th minute.

Just four minutes later, Anastasios Douvikas put Como back in front.

The result moved Como up to 4 points in sixth place, while Massimiliano Allegri's Napoli remained on 3 points in 10th.

In another match in the round, Lazio defeated visiting Genoa through Davide Frattesi's goal in the 25th minute.

That win took Lazio to 6 points in fourth place, while Genoa are still without a point in 16th.