Rome, Aug 30 (DPA) Inter Milan made clear their intention to retain the Serie A title, drubbing AC Milan 4-0 in a city derby that the Devils played for the most part with 10 men.

Brazilian Thiago Motta and Argentine Diego Milito, two arrivals from Genoa, had already put Inter up two goals Saturday when AC Milan's defender Gennaro Gattuso was sent off with a second yellow card.

A third goal sank the Devils' hopes before the break as Brazil defender Douglas Maicon beat Marco Storari off a Milito assist.

The win was secured in a matter of 15 minutes through an impressive display of offensive power that made Inter Milan fans forget the embarrassing 1-1 home draw against promoted Bari that they had to watch a week earlier.

AC Milan had produced a good pressing in the first 20 minutes, threatening with a spurt from Frenchman Mathieu Flamini, while Brazilian Ronaldinho misfired off a precious feed from his fast compatriot Pato.

A further threat forced Inter's Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar to slap a dangerous cross to prevent Marco Borriello's close-range flick, but Inter gradually improved their game and secured the outcome before the break.