Nicolas Burdisso scored the winner as Inter Milan defeated Saudi champions Al Hilal. (AFP)

BRUNECK – Saudi Arabian Premier League champions Al Hilal lost 1-0 to Inter Milan in a friendly on Thursday as José Mourinho's first match in charge of the 16-time Italian champions.

The only goal of the game came on the stroke of half-time when Argentine defender Nicolás Burdisso headed home a cross from 17-year-old striker Mario Balotelli Barwuah.

Inter coach Mourinho opted to field two different sides in each half while the former Chelsea manager’s opposite number Cosmin Olăroiu making five substitutions in the second-half.

Among the players that the former Suwon Samsung Bluewings and JEF United defender introduced were 2000 AFC Player of the Year Nawaf Al Temyat and Congo international Lelo Mbele.