Edin Dzeko at the double as Internazionale reach knockout stages with win over Shakhtar Donetsk

Edin Džeko scored twice in the second half to put Inter Milan in the last 16 of the Champions league with a 2-0 win against Shakhtar Donetsk.

Simone Inzaghi's side, who came into this game unbeaten in seven matches, forgot their shooting boots in the first half with the normally reliable Lautaro Martinez spurning two good opportunities while Andrea Ranocchia headed wide from close range.

Ivan Perisic had a goal disallowed for an offside while the injury-ravaged Ukrainians were limited to long-range opportunities.

Martinez had a goal chalked off in the second half for a push before he volleyed the ball in. But the deadlock was finally broken on the hour mark after Perisic's early cross eventually led to a crisp strike from Dzeko on the edge of the box.

And it was Perisic again who provided the second with a pinpoint cross for the former Manchester City striker to head it in from close range.

The visitors improved in the latter stages and Dodo hit the post as Inter held to get a crucial win, with qualification to the knockouts as if Sheriff failed to beat Real Madrid later this evening.

Inzaghi had a tricky job after taking over from Antonio Conte in the summer after Inter won the title last season and losing star players like Romelu Lukaku. But he has made an impressive start to his reign with his experienced players coming through for him again. The win over Napoli un Sunday was a statement victory and although his side were largely wasteful against Shakhtar they did not give up and their strong bench helped them see the game out. And Inzaghi is on the brink of doing what Conte, Roberto Mancini and Luciano Spaletti could not do while in charge of Inter, which is masterminding their progression to the last 16 of the Champions League.

Edin Džeko (Inter Milan): It was looking like a frustrating night for the Nerazzurri until the former Roma striker arrowed a shot into the corner with a first-time effort. And he was killed off the game by getting on the end of Perisic's inviting cross for his 50th goal in European competitions. He may be 35-years-old but still looks in his prime.

INTER MILAN: Handanovic 6, Skriniar 5, Ranocchia 5, Bastoni 4, Darmian 5, Barella 5, Brozovic 7, Calhanoglu 5, Perisic 8, Martinez 6, Dzeko 9. Subs: Correa 5, Vidal, n/a, D'Ambrosio n/a, DiMarco n/a, Sensi n/a.

SHAKHTAR DONETSK: Trubin 5, Dodo 5, Vitao 6, Marlon 5, Matviyenko 6, Tete 6, Stepanenko 5, Maycon 5, Pedrinho 5, Fernando 7, Solomon 5. Subs: Bondarenko n/a, Marlos n/a, Mudryk n/a.

24' - DISALLOWED GOAL! Perisic fires in a low shot into the net after turning his man. But the offside flag has gone up, VAR is taking a look.

57' - DISALLOWED GOAL FOR INTER! Martinez with an outstretched volley, but there appeared to be a push as the ball came in.

61' - GOAL FOR INTER! Early cross from Perisic, Darmian's shot is blocked and Dzeko is there to fire in the rebound on the edge of the box

67' - GOAL FOR DZEKO! Perisic again with a cross to the back stick for Dzeko to head it into the net.

82' - WOODWORK! Dodo's low shot hits the inside of the post, Mudryk cannot anticipate the rebound quick enough.

Inter have had the most shots in the first half of this Champions League games (62) but they have scored only one goal.