Inter Milan’s trip to Genoa was marred by frightening fan violence which required police intervention prior to kick-off.The Serie A clash took place at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris on Sunday evening, however, unsavoury scenes before the match saw riot police use tear gas on supporters in a bid to disperse groups of fans.AFPRiot police were forced to intervene after fan violence before Genoa’s clash with Inter[/caption]Home supporters had targeted the visiting Inter fans around an hour before kick-off.Firecrackers and smoke bombs were launched in the street, with three cars set on fire.It is understood that a van and a scooter were also set alight during the disruption.According to local reports in Italy, seven bins were also on fire before police intervened.Meanwhile, two people were injured as a result of the fan violence.Despite the clashes, kick-off was not delayed and the match began as scheduled at 5pm UK time.Once the players emerged, Inter quickly took the lead through Yann Aurel Bisseck.The German defender’s opening goal came just six minutes into the match.Lautaro Martinez added another later in the half to give the visitors a two-goal lead at the break. Genoa pulled one back midway through the second half through a goal by Portuguese forward Vitinha.A win for Inter sees them return to the top of Serie A ahead of rivals AC Milan.AFPCars were set on fire as smoke bombs and firecrackers were set off outside the stadium[/caption]Firefighters were also called to the scene to douse the flamesAFPIt remains to be seen if any arrests have been madeGettyCristian Chivu’s side sit a point clear after 15 matches as they eye a 21st league title.Meanwhile, Genoa are just two points above the relegation zone in 16th.Are Genoa and Inter rivals?The fan violence prior to the match comes despite the two sides not being direct rivals.Genoa’s fiercest foes are Sampdoria, with the two sides both playing at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris.However, Sampdoria currently play in Serie B and the two sides have not met in the league since April 2022.According to local reports, two people were injured during the pre-match violenceInter want their Scudetto back after Napoli beat them to the title last seasonAFPTheir supporters, meanwhile, also hold a rivalry with Milan dating back to the 1990s.As for Inter, they make up half of both the Derby della Maddonnina and Derby d’Italia alongside Milan and Juventus, respectively.