Inter seemed to be heading for another home European defeat, but Yuto Nagatomo equalised deep into injury time to save a point.
Inter seemed to be heading for another home European defeat, but Yuto Nagatomo equalised deep into injury time to save a point.
Nerazzurri Coach Andrea Stramaccioni opted for a side mixed with youth and experience. Javier Zanetti captained while youngsters Marco Livaja and Philippe Coutinho started upfront.
Rubin Kazan Boss Kurban Berdyev named a strong team to start at the San Siro, as the Russian outfit have not won in five away on their travels. Italian defender Salvatore Bocchetti was named in the starting XI on his return to the peninsula.
The visitors shocked the Italians as they controlled possession in the opening exchanges, and carved out several key opportunities.
Eventually their pressure paid off as Brazilian full back Jonathan fouled Gokdeniz Karadeniz in the box and German referee Deniz Aytekin awarded a penalty.
Penalty-saving expert Samir Handanovic saved Bebars Nacho's initial effort, but Aleksander Ryazantsev slotted in the rebound to give the Russians the lead after twenty minutes.
Inter pressed and a neat pass from Antonio Cassano sent Esteban Cambiasso through one-to-one with Sergei Ryzhikov. The Argentine dribbled round the goalkeeper and pulled it back for Marko Livaja to equalise with a header.
Inter went in at the break level, but Rubin had controlled possession and created more chances.
After the interval both sides probed, but neither were able to take the initiative.
Diego Milito replaced Livaja on the hour mark, but was unable to finish off several opportunities for Inter.
Former Malaga man Rondon beat the offside trap for Rubin with just over half an hour to play, but Handanovic was equal to the challenge.
The striker was allowed too much space by Inter’s defence with ten minutes to play, however, and neatly finished Roman Eremenko’s through ball.
Kazan could not hold on for the victory though, as Japanese international Nagatomo equalised with a minute left to play to salvage a point for lacklustre Inter.
The San Siro curse continues, as neither Milan side has won in seven matches played there between them since the new synthetic turf was laid.
Inter 2-2 Rubin Kazan
Scorers: Ryazantsev 17 (RK), Livaja 40 (I), Rondon 82 (RK), Nagatomo 90+2 (I)
Inter: Handanovic; Jonathan (Guarin 46), Ranocchia, Samuel, Nagatomo; Cambiasso, Zanetti, Gargano; Coutinho; Cassano (Pereira 67), Livaja (Milito 61)
Rubin Kazan: Ryzhikov; Sharonov, Cesar Navas, Kuzmin, Marcano; Bocchetti (Kaleshin 80), Natcho, Ryazantsev (Orbaiz 70), Karadeniz (Kasarev 85); Eremenko; Rondon.
Ref: Aytekin (GER)