CATANIA – The match at the Stadio Massimino ended with an incredible comeback win for the Nerazzurri. In the first half Catania scored twice through Bergessio and Marchese, but after the break Inter managed to secure the three points thanks to a goal from Alvarez and a brace from Palacio, leaving them with 47 points in the standings.
It took Catania just seven minutes to take the lead when Bergessio capitalised on a mistake from Juan Jesus: as the defender was trying to protect the ball the Argentine striker picked his pocket and beat Handanovic with a right-footer. On 19 minutes the home side doubled their lead when Lodi’s floated free kick was headed inside the far post by Marchese. Inter struggled to react.
In the second half Catania again started aggressively and were nearly up 3-0 through Bergessio. But Inter managed to cut their lead in half on 52 minutes: Schelotto picked out Palacio who crossed to the 6-yard box where Alvarez met the ball with a diving header. It was his first goal of the season. In the 70th minute the Nerazzurri drew level when Palacio expertly headed Pereira’s cross from the left downward into the goal, giving Andujar no chance. Later, Cambiasso came agonisingly close with a volley that finished just a hair wide of the far post. However, Inter’s winner arrived in the 2nd minute of added time. Palacio, who initially started the action, first-timed Cambiasso’s cutback past Andujar. It was an extraordinary interchange between the two Argentines and completed the 2-3 comeback at the Stadio Massimino.
Catania 2-3 Inter (HT: 2-0)
Scorers: Bergessio 7, Marquis 19, Alvarez 52, Palacio 70, 90+2.
Catania: 21 Andujar; 22 Alvarez, 3 Spolli, 5 Rolin, 12 Marchese; 27 Biagianti (Almiron 77), 10 Lodi; 13 Izco, 19 Castro, 17 Gomez; 9 Bergessio (Cani 85).
Unused subs: 1 Frison, 2 Potenza, 18 Augustyn, 8 Sciacca, 24 Ricchiuti, 26 Keko, 30 Salifu, 34 Messina, 35 Doukara.
Coach: Maran.
Inter: 1 Handanovic; 4 Zanetti, 26 Chivu, 40 Juan Jesus, 31 Pereira; 14 Guarin (Cambiasso 77), 17 Kuzmanovic (Stankovic 46), 21 Gargano; 7 Schelotto, 18 Rocchi (Palacio 46), 11 Alvarez.
Unused subs: 30 Carrizo, 77 Di Gennaro, 28 Pasa, 33 Mbaye, 42 Jonathan, 10 Kovacic, 24 Benassi, 47 Colombi.
Coach: Stramaccioni.
Referee: Mauro Bergonzi (Genoa).
Booked: Pablo Alvarez 37, Rolin 55, Handanovic 70, Bergessio 70, Schelotto 84, Cani 86.
Added time: 2+4 minutes.