Inter secured victory through goals late in the match as they overcame Borussia Dortmund in their last league phase game, yet the result was not enough to guarantee direct qualification for the Champions League round of 16.
The breakthrough arrived in the 80th minute when Federico Dimarco curled a free kick from around 20 yards beyond Gregor Kobel. The effort gave the visiting side the advantage after a tightly balanced encounter.
Substitute Andy Diouf then confirmed the win deep into stoppage time. The midfielder capitalised on a turnover in Dortmund’s half to score in the 94th minute and ensure all three points for the Italian club.
Despite the success on the night, other results meant Inter ended outside the automatic qualification places.
Results elsewhere shape final standings
Chelsea’s victory away to Napoli and Sporting’s success against Athletic Club had a direct impact on the final table positions. Because of those outcomes, Cristian Chivu’s team slipped out of the top eight.
Inter ultimately finished 10th in the 36-team standings. That position means they will enter the knockout play-offs as a seeded side next month.
Dortmund’s campaign ended lower in the table. The German club finished 17th and will be unseeded when they play their two-legged play-off tie.
Both teams went into the match knowing progression scenarios were still possible, which contributed to a cautious and tactical battle.
Chances missed before late breakthrough
Serhou Guirassy created the first major opportunity. The striker found space inside the penalty area following a corner but directed his attempt straight at goalkeeper Yann Sommer.
At the other end, Yann Bisseck came close when his effort drifted narrowly past the post. Inter, who opened their European journey with four consecutive wins before suffering three straight defeats, struggled to control the game in Germany.
Chivu looked to change momentum by bringing on Francesco Pio Esposito early. The substitute almost scored shortly after entering play, but Ramy Bensebaini produced a crucial last-moment challenge.
The decisive moment eventually arrived through Dimarco’s set-piece before Diouf took advantage of Karim Adeyemi losing the ball inside his own half to seal the outcome.