MILAN – It took a last-gasp penalty for Inter to overcome Sampdoria at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza this evening, and it was Mauro Icardi who stepped up to dispatch the decisive spot-kick. The Nerazzurri looked dangerous throughout and created a host of chances, with Kovacic in particularly inspired form. It was a good performance from Inter as a whole, however; the team fought tirelessly throughout and were rewarded late on as Icardi snatched his side the win.
Inter were on the front foot from the off. Kovacic played a great ball through for Palacio, but he elected to pass rather than shoot himself. The Argentine’s ball for Icardi was wayward. Ten minutes later, the Nerazzurri were once again pushing for a goal. This time it was Dodo who crossed in from the left for Hernanes. With his back to goal, the Brazilian set up Palacio, but his effort was right down the middle and Romero could save easily.
Sampdoria were very much in the game, reacting instantly through Obiang. The Spaniard played a dangerous ball into the box and Ranocchia was forced to clear. It was a purple patch for the Blucerchiati, who in the 29th minute caused Inter further problems through Eder. Attacking from the right, the Brazilian put the ball into the box only for Palombo’s strike to sail over Handanovic’s crossbar.
Inter soon came back at the Genoese outfit, Kovacic providing excellent service to Icardi in the box. Maurito attempted his signature back-to-goal move, turning on a sixpence and getting a smart shot away. Romero did excellently to keep it out and prevent Inter from going ahead.
There was time for a scare before the break, as Duncan thrashed a rasping effort off the Nerazzurri crossbar. The San Siro held its breath, but the referee soon brought the half to a close.
The second 45 minutes started with Palacio looking menacing. The Argentine got a slice of luck to collect a loose ball and work himself into a shooting position, but his effort fizzed wide. Sampdoria stood firm and once again troubled the Nerazzurri, Gabbiadini’s powerful shot forcing Handanovic into a low save.
Hernanes soon made way for Kuzmanovic, who almost made an instant impact. Receiving the ball from Palacio, the Serb was unable to get a meaningful shot away. Kuz was once again involved minutes later, crossing the ball in for Ranocchia to head down to Kovacic, whose shot was disappointing.
On 79 minutes, Palacio had a gilt-edged opportunity to give Inter the lead. Kovacic put a sumptuous ball through for the Argentine, but he couldn’t hit the target. Sampdoria came again, this time through Eder. Handanovic pulled off a fantastic save to deny the Brazilian.
And then, the big moment. Kuzmanovic was pulled back by Romagnoli and, after a few seconds’ deliberation, the referee pointed to the spot. Icardi despatched a perfect penalty, sending the San Siro faithful into raptures.
Inter 1-0 Sampdoria
Scorers: Icardi 90 (pen.)
Inter: 1 Handanovic; 23 Ranocchia, 15 Vidic, 5 Juan Jesus; 20 Obi (Mbaye 78), 88 Hernanes (Kuzmanovic 52), 18 Medel, 10 Kovacic (Krhin 90+3) , 22 Dodo; 8 Palacio, 9 Icardi.
Subs not used: 30 Carrizo, 46 Berni, 6 Andreolli, 28 Puscas, 29 Camara, 54 Donkor, 97 Bonazzoli.
Coach: Walter Mazzarri
Sampdoria: 33 Romero; 29 De Silvestri, 28 Gastaldello (Regini 64), 5 Romagnoli, 3 Mesbah; 6 Duncan (Soriano 71), 17 Palombo, 14 Obiang (Rizzo 90+1); 11 Gabbiadini, 9 Okaka, 23 Eder.
Subs not used: 1 Da Costa, 7 Fedato, 12 Sansone, 18 Bergessio, 32 Marchionni, 44 Fornasier, 77 Wszolek, 86 Cacciatore, 96 Massolo.
Coach: Sinisa Mihajlovic
Referee: Carmine Russo (Nola)
Booked: Gastaldello 21, Kovacic 23, Palombo 48, Medel 81.
Added time: 1+3 mins.
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LE PAROLE DI WALTER MAZZARRI POST INTER - SAMPDORIA
