Palermo 1-1 Inter Milan: Alberto Gilardino's equaliser denies 10-man visitors going top

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Inter Milan were held to a 1-1 draw at Palermo in a match that saw the visitors reduced to 10 men as they failed to move provisionally two points clear at the top of Serie A on Saturday.

Ivan Perisic broke the deadlock on the hour mark but Inter's lead lasted just six minutes before Alberto Gilardino levelled.

Inter defender Jeison Murillo was sent off 10 minutes from time following a second yellow card but the visitors still managed to force Palermo goalkeeper Stefano Sorrentino into more crucial saves. 

Palermo striker Alberto Gilardino (right) pokes home from close range to earn his side a point against Inter

The veteran striker (second right) wheels away in celebration after his second-half strike on Saturday night

Gilardino's goal was a trademark instinctive finish for the hosts during their Serie A encounter

Inter moved level on points with leaders Fiorentina, who hosts third-placed Roma on Sunday. Inter are behind Fiorentina on goal difference, with both teams a point ahead of Roma.

Inter were looking to return to the top of Serie A following two successive draws and a defeat, while Palermo had bounced back with victory at Bologna after four defeats in a row.

Palermo had the best of the early chances and Inter goalkeeper Samir Handanovic was decisive in denying Franco Vazquez twice.

It was not until the 50th minute that Sorrentino was properly tested as he dived smartly to turn a Stevan Jovetic free kick around his post.

Inter took the lead shortly after when substitute Jonathan Biabiany, who had only been on the pitch for five minutes, latched on to a ball from Jovetic over the top and put in a low cross from the right flank for Perisic to tap in at the far post. 

It was the Croatia midfielder's fourth goal in his past five matches for club and country.

However, following a corner, Vasquez put the ball in the box and it went in off Gilardino's shin from close range.

Inter could have won the game but Sorrentino pulled off a sensational fingertip save to prevent Fredy Guarin's shot from going under the bar and - after Murillo was sent off - stopped Biabiany's effort from point-blank range. 

Palermo attacking midfielder Franco Vazquez (centre) troubled the Inter defence early on in the match

Palermo passionate fans show their ardent support for the club as the action unfolds

Inter Milan midfielder Fredy Guarin (right) tries his luck as they try to break the deadlock

Stevan Jovetic (right) tries to escape the attention of Palermo midfielder Enzo Maresca

Inter substitute Jonathan Biabiany (left) challenges for a 50/50 with Robin Quaison

Biabany had a key role in Inter's equaliser as it was his cross that provided Ivan Perisic's goal

The 26-year-old (right) was quick to acknowledge the role of his team-mate by celebrating his goal with him 

Inter boss Roberto Mancini barks out instructions to his team from the sideline as they push for a winner