MILAN – A historic game. That's how Inter v Sampdoria will be remembered because on 1 December 2013, Inter's past, present and future assembled at the Stadio Meazza for a date with history. A celebration – and that it was despite the fact we saw two points snatched away from us at the end, Renan's late effort, cancelling out Guarin's 18th-minute opener.
It was president Erick Thohir's first match at San Siro and the afternoon began with him meeting the Nerazzurri family - a host of former players who paraded in front of the fans before kick-off. Applause for the ex-players, for the new president and also for Massimo Moratti, thanks to whom we will now be even more Internazionale.
On a day of exes, there were two more in the dugouts as coaches Walter Mazzarri and Sinisa Mihajlovic both faced their former clubs. The Nerazzurri boss kept faith with Rolando in defence alongside Campagnaro and Juan Jesus, with Handanovic in goal. Zanetti – wearing a special captain's armband for the occasion ('Back to the future') - made his first start of the season with Jonathan patrolling the opposite flank. Taider, Cambiasso and Alvarez completed the five-man midfield and Guarin sat in behind Palacio up front.
It was Guarin who broke the deadlock in the 18th minute. Alvarez tricked his way past his man on the left with some fine footwork and picked out the Colombian at the far post: one touch to control and another to fire home, giving president Thohir his first joy alongside an equally exuberant honorary president Moratti. Inter went in at half time a goal to the good.
The Nerazzurri almost doubled their advantage after the break but this time Guarin was denied by the post. Sampdoria pressed for an equaliser and Eder put the ball into the net but the linesman's flag was rightly up for offside. Mihajlovic's side did however manage to level matters a minute before the end of normal time when substitute Renan fired low into the bottom corner from outside the box. 1-1 the final score.
Inter 1-1 Sampdoria (HT: 1-0)
Scorers: Guarin 18, Renan 89.
Inter: 1 Handanovic; 14 Campagnaro, 35 Rolando, 5 Juan Jesus; 2 Jonathan, 21 Taider (Kovacic 63), 19 Cambiasso, 11 Alvarez (Belfodil 86), 4 Zanetti; 13 Guarin (Mudingayi 82); 8 Palacio.
Subs not used: 30 Carrizo, 12 Castellazzi, 6 Andreolli, 18 Wallace, 23 Ranocchia, 28 Puscas, 31 Pereira, 54 Donkor, 90 Olsen.
Coach: Walter Mazzarri.
Sampdoria: 1 Da Costa, 3 Costa, 8 Mustafi, 9 Pozzi (Sansone 73), 11 Gabbiadini, 14 Obiang (Renan 86), 17 Palombo, 21 Soriano, 23 Eder, 28 Gastaldello (Regini 43), 29 De Silvestri.
Subs not used: 30 Fiorillo, 6 Rodriguez, 7 Castellini, 15 Wszolek, 22 Bjarnason, 25 Maresca, 27 Eramo, 37 Petagna, 44 Fornasier.
Coach: Sinisa Mihajlovic.
Referee: Russo.
Booked: Alvarez 10, Gabbiadini 11, Costa 28, Eder 45, Campagnaro 76, Guarin 78.
Added time: 2 + 4 minutes.
Attendance: 43,706.
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