MILAN (ITALPRESS) – Inter imitated Milan, experiencing a complicated Saturday. Down 2-0 with Monza, the Serie A leaders turned it around with grit and intensity, winning 3-2 and putting pressure on Napoli. The Nerazzurri changed faces, with the revival of two bigs (Calhanoglu and Mkhitaryan) and an all-new attacking pair: here’s Arnautovic with Lautaro.
Very compassed Inter start, with a very low pace for Simone Inzaghi’s lineup. There is no shortage of chances, with Bastoni and Arnautovic close to scoring: Turati saves. At 24′ here comes the first episode of the match, which sees Inter very unlucky: Lautaro would score the lead, but everything is thwarted due to an earlier and fortuitous hand touch. The rules are clear: no goal, it remains 0-0. The blurred goal sends Inter’s defense into a tailspin, which is drilled by Dany Mota: one-two and backheel assist for Birindelli, who strikes Josep Martinez. At 32′ it’s 1-0 and Inter, while reacting with Dumfries, also suffers a resounding encore: former Keita Baldè kicks on the turn and makes Monza dream. An immediate reaction is needed and Inter, in the worst moment of its season, finds it: convulsive action, Dumfries’ bank and Arnautovic’s underhand touch for 2-1 (46’pt).
The resumption begins with a double change by Simone Inzaghi, who wants to give an emotional jolt and changes everything: out go de Vrij and Pavard, in go Bisseck and Carlos Augusto. Bastoni thus returns defensive brace, after suffering as a fifth and paving the way for Birindelli’s goal, and the Nerazzurri turn up the pressing. Turati stops Lautaro and Barella, with no shortage of chances for Inter. The Nerazzurri equalized in 64′, in a dramatic way: assist by Bisseck and 2-2 by Hakan Calhanoglu from distance. Inzaghi would like to raise the center of gravity with Thuram and Zielinski, but he is very unlucky: after two minutes and a played action, bad muscle problem and knockout for the Pole. Inter came close to scoring twice with Thuram, then finally saw the light: Turati seemed to save on Lautaro, but in fact the ball had already crossed the line. Moreover, Kyriakopoulos anticipated Toro: it is an own goal that condemns Monza, which exits the match after this goal. The brianzoli also threaten to suffer the poker, with Thuram protagonist: the Frenchman hits a post. Calhanoglu and Lautaro also touched the net, but Monza managed to save themselves and not concede again. So there remains a flicker of hope for the Brianzoli in the maxi-recovery, but it does not change the result.
With deep suffering and their heads already set on Feyenoord, Inter remount Monza: it’s 3-2 at the San Siro. The Nerazzurri thus rise to 61 points, a momentary +4 over Napoli: tomorrow at 3 p.m. Conte’s response, taking on Fiorentina. Always very last, Monza, now almost doomed: -10 from fourth-last Parma, when there are ten rounds left to the end of Serie A. Nesta and his men leave the Meazza with the honor of arms after a sumptuous first half, but they are defeated.
– Photo Ipa Agency –
(ITALPRESS)
