FLORENCE – Inter succumbed to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Fiorentina on Sunday night as Khouma Babacar scored a last-gasp winner for Paulo Sousa’s side.
The Nerazzurri had taken a 1-0 lead in at half-time after Marcelo Brozovic finished off a neat Inter move on 26 minutes. But Fiorentina were handed a way back into the contest on the hour mark as Borja Valero stormed into the box to head home, and though it looked to be heading for a draw Babacar bundled the ball into the Inter net in stoppage time to secure all three points for the Viola.
Roberto Mancini began with the same side that started the game against Chievo: Handanovic between the sticks, Nagatomo, Miranda, Murillo and Telles making up a back four, Brozovic, Medel and Kondogbia in the centre and an attacking trio of Palacio, Eder and Icardi.
Inter began well, pressing Sousa’s men high up the field as the Stadio Artemio Franchi roared its support for the men in purple. Federico Bernardeschi responded to the rallying cry, threatening the Nerazzurri goal with two left-footed efforts in quick succession.
The atmosphere was ramped up even further on 13 minutes, as Bernardeschi looked certain to score only for Alex Telles to slide in and block his effort on the goal line.
It had been a rip-roaring first 25 minutes, but much to the chagrin of the Viola faithful it was Inter that took the lead: Kondogbia showed great vision to pick out Palacio near the byline to the right of goal, and the Argentine responded in kind by cutting it back for Brozovic to fire home.
Fiorentina looked to regain their bearings, further shaken by Eder’s deflected effort, and indeed the home side came close to drawing level just before half-time. From a corner, Vecino rose highest to guide a strong header towards goal, but Samir Handanovic produced a majestic diving save to ensure the Nerazzurri went in level at half-time.
The second half began with no changes and few early chances. Inter were seemingly in control of the game, but Fiorentina found their equaliser on 59 minutes as Borja Valero timed his run to perfection to head home Ilicic’s cross.
Bolstered by the goal, Fiorentina pressed Inter high up the field, keeping the Nerazzurri penned in but creating little in the way of chances. Mancini’s men began to visibly regain their foothold in the game, but there was trouble brewing as Telles received his marching orders after picking up a soft second yellow - replays showed Mazzoleni had got it wrong as the Brazilian clearly won the ball.
Sensing their chance, the Viola bombed forward in the closing stages and had their winner in the 91st minute as Babacar stabbed home the rebound after Handanovic had saved Zarate’s initial shot.
Zarate was sent off late on for a tangle with Murillo, but there was to be no late equaliser and indeed frustration reigned as the officials seemed incapable of getting the match restarted. The final whistle came soon afterwards, with Inter leaving Florence empty-handed despite a good first-half performance. It's time for courage, heart and pride - and what better chance to show all that than Saturday night's home match against Sampdoria.
FIORENTINA 2-1 INTER (HT: 0-1)
Scorers: Brozovic 26, Borja Valero 59, Babacar 90+1.
FIORENTINA: 12 Tatarusanu; 32 Roncaglia, 2 Rodriguez, 13 Astori, 28 Alonso; 8 Vecino (Costa 87), 20 Valero; 10 Bernardeschi, 72 Ilicic (Babacar 87), 27 Tello (Zarate 58); 9 Kalinic.
Subs not used: 24 Lezzerini, 33 Sepe, 4 Tomovic, 16 Blaszczykowski, 23 Pasqual, 26 Kone.
Coach: Paulo Sousa.
INTER: 1 Handanovic; 55 Nagatomo, 25 Miranda, 24 Murillo, 12 Telles (D'Ambrosio 84); 77 Brozovic, 17 Medel, 7 Kondogbia; 23 Eder (Perisic 71), 9 Icardi, 8 Palacio.
Subs not used: 30 Carrizo, 46 Berni, 5 Jesus, 10 Jovetic, 11 Biabiany, 21 Santon, 22 Ljajic, 27 Gnoukouri, 31 Zonta, 97 Manaj.
Coach: Roberto Mancini.
Yellow cards: Medel 11, Telles 11, 82, Icardi 28, Alonso 47, Brozovic 68, Kalinic 75.
Red cards: Telles 82, Zarate 90+4, Kondogbia 90+6.
Added time: 0 + 3 mins.
Referee: Mazzoleni.
Assistants: Costanzo, Passeri.
Fourth official: Dobosz.
Additional assistants: Celi, Mariani.
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