VERONA – Inter's great early-season form continued as Roberto Mancini's men recorded their fourth victory on the bounce today.
Mauro Icardi's strike in the 42nd minute was the only goal that separated the two sides in a tightly-fought encounter on a beautiful late-summer Sunday morning.
The Nerazzurri stuck to the same line-up that emerged victorious from last weekend's derby, following the old adage of 'never change a winning formula'. The only enforced change was Alex Telles making his debut in place of injured Juan Jesus at left back.
Inter began the game well and immediately put pressure on their opponents, but Chievo soon started to show the quality that has seen them pick up two victories and a draw in three games so far, including games against Lazio and Juventus. Rolando Maran's posed a particular threat in the air, with Lucas Castro coming close to opening the scoring in the 19th minute.
In the 23rd minute, Telles popped up in the Chievo box after being played in by Stevan Jovetic, unfortunately his cross couldn't reach Fredy Guarin, who was waiting in front of goal. Then in the 34th minute Alberto Paloschi had a chance for Chievo, but Gary Medel did excellently in defence to guide the ball behind for a corner.
The game was evenly poised and it needed something special to break the deadlock. Jovetic provided the goods in the 42nd minute, his deft pass to Geoffrey Kondogbia was worth the ticket price alone. The French midfielder crossed beautifully into the box, where Icardi took one touch to control before slotting it past Albano Bizzarri for 1-0.
The second half started where the first half left off with Inter on the attack, but Chievo Verona - this year's surprise package in Italy - almost equalised in the 50th minute. Telles lost possession stepping out of defence, allowing Paloschi to work some room for a shot but his effort went above the bar.
As the minutes ticked by, Chievo seemed to grow in strength and tried to keep Inter pinned back in their area.
Jeison Murillo picked up a knock in the 60th minute and forced Mancini to ring some changes with Andrea Ranocchia coming for the injured Colombian. A few minutes later, Rodrigo Palacio replaced Jovetic as the Nerazzurri adjusted their formation to a front three.
The change seemed to spark Inter back into life and in the 81st minute Ivan Perisic was released down the left, causing panic in the host's backline. He only needed to lift his head in the area to find Icardi well placed in front of goal, but his pass couldn't reach his team-mate.
Marcelo Brozovic came on for the excellent Kondogbia towards the end of the game, as Inter closed out the game fighting for every ball and showing intelligent game management.
Chievo are a well-organised outfit and have quality throughout their team. Nevertheless, Inter deserved the three points thanks to the conviction, heart and technical quality on show through.
The boys are back in action on Wednesday at home against Hellas Verona where they'll be hoping to solidify their position at the top of Serie A and extend this run to five victories.
CHIEVO VERONA 0-1 INTER
Scorer: Icardi (41)
CHIEVO VERONA: 1 Bizzarri; 21 Frey, 3 Gamberini, 12 Cesar, 18 Gobbi; 56 Hetemaj, 4 Rigoni (7 Pepe, 81), 23 Birsa (40 Mpoku, 75); 19 Castro; 43 Paloschi (45 Inglese, 68), 69 Meggiorini.
Subs: 32 Bressan, 90 Seculin, 3 Dainelli, 6 Pinzi, 7 Pepe, 10 Christiansen, 11 Mattiello, 20 Sardo, 29 Cacciatore, 31 Pellissier.
Coach: Rolando Maran
INTER: 1 Handanovic; 21 Santon, 17 Medel, 24 Murillo (23 Ranocchia, 69), 12 Telles; 13 Guarin, 83 Melo, 7 Kondogbia (77 Brozovic, 85); 44 Perisic; 10 Jovetic (8 Palacio, 74), 9 Icardi.
Subs: 30 Carrizo, 98 Radu, 11 Biabiany, 14 Montoya, 22 Ljajic, 27 Gnoukouri, 33 D'Ambrosio, 55 Nagatomo, 97 Manaj.
Coach: Roberto Mancini
Yellow cards: Guarin (27), Rigoni (37), Meggiorini (40), Mpoku (90+4)
Red cards: Maran (84)
Added time: 0+5 minutes
Referee: Tagliavento
Assistants: Preti, Ranghetti
Fourth official: Passeri
Additional assistants: Banti, Pinzani
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