Inter Milan secured a crucial 2-1 victory against Fiorentina at San Siro, avenging their recent 3-0 defeat in Tuscany. The match, which took place just days after their previous encounter, saw Inter bounce back with a strong performance.
The game began with Inter dominating possession, controlling 80% of the ball in the opening 25 minutes. Despite their dominance, the breakthrough remained elusive, with Carlos Augusto and Lautaro Martinez both hitting the woodwork from corner kicks.
The opening goal came amidst controversy. A disputed corner kick, which Fiorentina argued should not have been awarded, led to a goal initially credited to Lautaro Martinez but later recorded as a Marin Pongracic own goal. The contentious nature of the goal resulted in both managers, Simone Inzaghi and Rafaelle Palladino, receiving bookings.
Inter’s joy was tempered by an injury to Marcus Thuram, who was replaced by Marko Arnautovic early in the game. However, Fiorentina managed to equalize before halftime. Following a VAR review, a penalty was awarded for a handball by Matteo Darmian. Rolando Mandragora stepped up and confidently converted, sending Yann Sommer the wrong way.
The home side regained the lead early in the second half through substitute Arnautovic. The Austrian striker rose highest to head home, giving Inter a 2-1 advantage.
Fiorentina introduced several new faces in the second half, including debutants Michael Folorunsho, Nicolo Zaniolo, and Nicolo Fagioli. Despite their efforts, La Viola couldn’t find an equalizer, allowing Inter to claim all three points and maintain their position near the top of the Serie A table.
The victory was particularly significant for Inter, considering the absence of key players like Federico Dimarco due to injury and Denzel Dumfries through suspension. Francesco Acerbi’s return to the center of defense provided a boost to the Nerazzurri’s backline.
This result not only avenged Inter’s recent defeat but also demonstrated their resilience and depth, as they overcame both personnel challenges and a determined Fiorentina side to secure an important win in their Serie A campaign.
Goals: Pongracic (og) 28’ (I), Mandragora (pen) 44’ (F), Arnautovic 52’ (I).
Inter (3-5-2): Sommer; Pavard, Acerbi, Bastoni (65′ Zalewski); Darmian, Barella, Calhanoglu (46′ Zielinski), Mkhitaryan (65′ Frattesi), Carlos Augusto; Lautaro, Thuram (27′ Arnautovic (77′ Taremi)).
Fiorentina (4-4-1-1): De Gea; Moreno (67′ Fagioli), Pongracic, Ranieri, Gosens; Dodò, Richardson (62′ Cataldi), Mandragora (80′ Gudmundsson), Parisi (62′ Folorunsho); Beltran (67′ Zaniolo); Kean.
