MILAN – Inter’s match against Genoa at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, their first of the 2013/14 season, ended as a 2-0 win thanks to goals from Nagatomo and Palacio.
It was a special day that saw Dejan Stankovic warmly received by the Nerazzurri fans, as well as Esteban Cambiasso take to the pitch for the 400th time in the blue and black.
For Inter’s Serie A opener Walter Mazzarri chose a back line of Campagnaro, Ranocchia and Juan Jesus in front of Handanovic in goal. Guarin, Kuzmanovic and Cambiasso started in midfield, with Jonathan and Nagatomo working the flanks. In attack it was Alvarez playing just behind Palacio.
Both teams started with a cautious approach and midway through the half the first real chance fell to Jonathan, who looks more confident with every game. In the closing minutes Kucka had an attempt for Genoa but the referee’s whistle brought the half to a scoreless end.
The second half began without substitutions, although after a few minutes Icardi came on to add some presence up front. The rhythm of the match picked up decisively and soon Guarin had a clear chance. Inter were assertive and at the same time looked sharp in defence.
The constant pressure paid off on 75 minutes when some interplay on the right between Guarin and Jonathan saw the Brazilian cross for Nagatomo to head home.
Seven minutes later Icardi watched his shot crash off the bar – he’ll have to wait a bit longer for his first San Siro goal.
Then two minutes into injury time the Nerazzurri grabbed their second as Guarin served the ball to Palacio to tuck away. The final score ended 2-0.
Inter 2-0 Genoa (HT: 0-0)
Scorers: Nagatomo 75, Palacio 90+2.
Inter: 1 Handanovic; 5 Juan Jesus, 23 Ranocchia, 14 Campagnaro; 2 Jonathan, 13 Guarin, 19 Cambiasso (Kovacic 72), 17 Kuzmanovic (Icardi 52), 55 Nagatomo; 11 Alvarez (Taider 85); 8 Palacio.
Unused subs: 12 Castellazzi, 30 Carrizo, 6 Andreolli, 7 Belfodil, 16 Mudingayi, 18 Wallace, 31 Pereira, 35 Rolando, 90 Olsen.
Coach: Walter Mazzarri.
Genoa: 1 Perin, 10 Lodi, 11 Gilardino, 13 Antonelli, 14 Cofie, 17 Santana (Floro Flores 85), 20 Vrsaljko, 21 Manfredini, 33 Kucka, 90 Portanova, 91 Bertolacci (Konate 72).
Unused subs: 32 Donnarumma, 28 Zima, 2 Sampirisi, 4 Demiao, 5 Gamberini, 23 Velocci, 27 Matuzalem, 69 Sturaro, 93 Jara Martinez, 94 Blaze.
Coach: Fabio Liverani.
Booked: Gilardino 64, Perin 72, Manfredini, Jonathan 89, Guarin 90+3.
Added time: 0 + 3 minutes.
Attendance: 42,797.
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