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The opening half offered little in the way of chances or entertainment and Inter was frustrated by a disciplined visiting side.

The first shot on target came in the 65th minute as Mehdi Taremi had an effort blocked on the line, with Inter piling on the pressure in search of a winner.

It finally paid off 12 minutes from time when Martinez headed Hakan Calhanoglu's corner home, with the ball sneaking under Nicola Leali and in.

Genoa was unable to find a response late on and stays 12th on the table with 30 points.

Inter, meanwhile, has 57 points, putting it one clear of Antonio Conte's Napoli.

The Partenopei travel to Como on Monday (AEDT), before the top two face off on 2 March (AEDT).