PESCARA – Inter came from 1-0 down to give Frank de Boer his first victory in charge. The Nerazzurri ran out 2-1 winners against Pescara at the Stadio Adriatico, after a brace from Mauro Icardi.
Joao Mario made his debut for the club, and lined-up in support of Icardi along with Antonio Candreva and Ivan Perisic.
The Nerazzurri dominated possession in the early stages of the game, but found themselves confronted by a stubborn defence. Joao Mario provided some early impetus, with a winding run before playing in Icardi; the ball eventually reached Banega, but he was well marshalled by the Pescara defence.
On 12 minutes Perisic tried to find Icardi at the near post, the Argentine managed an attempt on goal but Bizzarri saved low. Shortly after that, Inter found themselves with a wonderful opportunity, with 4 against 2, but Banega’s failed to find Candreva, Campagnaro making the interception.
Pescara came into the game around the 30-minute mark, with Caprari making the most of a lapse in concentration in the Inter backline. Miranda did well to reach the Romanian and made a good sliding tackle to block his shot. Two minutes later the hosts had another opportunity, with Cristante meeting a cross in from the left, but his right-footed finish was off-target.
After 35 minutes, Inter had two quick-fire attempts. Banega tried his luck from the edge of the box, but his left-footed strike was saved by Bizzarri. The Pescara keeper then reacted well to stop Candreva scoring from the rebound. The Nerazzurri kept up the pressure and Miranda almost got on the end of a corner, but he was only just beaten to it by Zampano. Pescara’s best chance fell to Verre. Played in by Caprari, his shot cannoned off the cross-bar.
With the teams unchanged after the break, Inter had an early chance in the second period. Candreva’s cross from the right was met by Icardi, but his header was inches wide of Bizzarri’s right-hand post. The hosts hit back one minute later, with Caprari playing a pass out to Verre; he pulled the ball back for Memushaj, but Handanovic parried it behind.
Inter continued to knock on the door. Perisic played the ball from the left and an Icardi dummy left it for Banega, whose shot was blocked. Candreva then saw his right-footed shot knocked behind. On 58 minutes, D’Ambrosio tried his luck after bringing the ball forward 50 metres, but his shot was too high.
Pescara took the lead on 63 minutes, thanks to a goal from Bahebeck. The substitute got on the end of a cross from the right, beating Handanovic with a left-footed finish. The Inter keeper then kept his side in the game, making a magnificent save from Verre. The Slovenian was tested by Bahebeck after 72 minutes, and was forced into a near-post save.
Around 30 minutes into the second half, de Boer decided to make three substitutions, and it took a matter of seconds for Inter to draw level. Banega crossed the ball into Icardi, who beat his marker to the ball, heading the ball past Bizzarri to make it 1-1.
With around six minutes left to play, Pescara almost took the lead once again, Pepe forcing Handanovic into a wonderful save. As the game went into added time, Palacio had a golden opportunity but was outwitted by the host’s goalkeeper.
It was then time for Icardi to show what he is all about. He picked up the loose ball in the box before firing past the keeper to make it 2-1, bagging his side all three points.
PESCARA 1-2 INTER (HT: 0-0)
Scorers: Bahebeck 63; Icardi 77, 91.
PESCARA: 31 Bizzarri; 11 Zampano, 14 Campagnaro, 37 Gyomber, 3 Biraghi; 8 Memushaj, 16 Brugman, 6 Cristante; 7 Verre (Aquilani 67), 17 Caprari (Pepe 80), 10 Benali (Bahebeck 56).
Subs not used: 1 Fiorillo, 2 Crescenzi, 5 Bruno, 9 Manaj, 13 Zuparic, 26 Vitturini, 28 Mitrita, 35 Coda, 44 Fornasier.
Coach: Massimo Oddo.
INTER: 1 Handanovic; 33 D'Ambrosio, 25 Miranda, 24 Murillo, 21 Santon; 6 Joao Mario, 17 Medel (Palacio 75); 87 Candreva (Eder 75), 19 Banega, 44 Perisic (Jovetic 75); 9 Icardi.
Subs not used: 30 Carrizo, 5 Melo, 7 Kondogbia, 11 Biabiany, 13 Ranocchia, 27 Gnoukouri, 55 Nagatomo, 77 Brozovic, 95 Miangue.
Coach: Frank de Boer.
Yellow cards: Gyomber (20), Joao Mario (22).
Added time: 1 + 3 minutes.
Referee: Damato.
Assistants: Posado, Lo Cicero.
Fourth official: De Pinto.
Additional assistants: Rizzoli, Celi.
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