Inter continued to drop more points in the Italian Serie A as they threw away a 2-0 first-half lead to settle for a 2-2 draw against Livorno last night.

The Nerazzurri, who were held to a goalless draw by Udinese last week, looked odds on to get back to winning ways when they surged into a two-goal lead yesterday.

Inter broke the deadlock on 36 minutes when Hernanes drilled the ball past Livorno goalkeeper Francesco Bardi.

The visitors continued to push more men forward and they managed to double their advantage on the stroke of half-time.

Palacio profited from some slack defending from the home side to hit a fine volley past Bardi.

But the game changed completely after the interval as Livorno looked an improved side.

Poor marking from the Inter defence handed Livorno a lifeline on 53 minutes.

From a corner action Paulinho was allowed time and space to beat Inter goalkeeper Samir Handanovic with a firm drive.

Buoyed by this goal Livorno continued to battle hard and their efforts were rewarded with an equaliser on 84 minutes.

Innocent Emeghara intercepted Fredy Guarin’s back pass to slid the ball past Handanovic and make it 2-2.

Inter remained fifth on 49 points while Livorno moved just one point behind fourth-from bottom Bologna.

Earlier, Udinese plunged Catania deeper into relegation danger with a 1-0 win at the Stadio Friuli.

Antonio Di Natale scored the only goal of the game midway through the second half when he made no mistake with a diving header from close range, meeting Roberto Pereyra's volleyed cross to perfection.

The win takes Udinese onto 38 points, and virtually guarantee their place in Serie A next season.

Summaries

Udinese 1
Di Natale 68;
Catania 0

HT: 0-0. Att: 12,000.

Livorno 2
Paulinho 53; Emeghara 84;
Inter 2
Hernanes 36; Palacio 45;

HT: 0-2. Att: 14,000.