MILAN - Inter made a strong start at home to Cagliari in their first match following the international break, dominating possession in the opening period as they camped out in opposition territory.
After a series of near-misses, the hosts were given the chance to break the deadlock from the spot midway through the first half. Bruno Alves shoved Mauro Icardi off the ball and the additional assistant signalled to the referee to award the penalty. Up stepped the captain but his spot-kick went wide of the post.
Joao Mario then showed his intent on the half-hour mark, striking a volley narrowly off target after Candreva's ball drop invitingly for the Portuguese. Perisic also went close at the back end of the opening 45 minutes but the scoreline was goalless at the break.
There were no changes for the second half and the visitors came out with greater intent. Inter had to be grateful to Handanovic as he first denied Melchiorri's thumping drive before keeping out Sau's curler. On 55 minutes, the Nerazzurri finally landed a telling blow and it was Joao Mario who got on the scoresheet for the first time in Inter colours. The European champion's shot was too hot to handle for Storari and the midfielder followed in to poke home from close range and give the hosts the lead.
There were warning signs for Inter, with Handanovic again called into action to fist away Di Gennaro's try. Icardi might have restored the Nerazzurri's lead meanwhile, yet his header flew narrowly wide after fine work from Ansaldi down the right. On 71 minutes, Cagliari were level. Melchiorri nudged the ball into his path with his heel before poking a scrappy finish past Handanovic to equalise. Ten minutes later, Melchiorri's header flashed wide from Isla's cross but on 85 minutes the Sardinians were not to be denied. The ball broke to Melchiorri from a corner and his effort deflected off Murillo, catching Handanovic out on the line. The last touch came off the Slovenian keeper.
The Nerazzurri poured forward in search of an equaliser at the death, which almost allowed Cagliari to add a third but Handanovic stood firm in the face off efforts from Borriello and Isla.
Despite a late siege, the islanders hung on with Inter left to rue what might have been.
Inter 1-2 Cagliari (HT: 0-0)
Goalscorers: Joao Mario 55, Melchiorri 70, Handanovic (og) 85.
Inter: 1 Handanovic; 15
Ansaldi (10 Jovetic 80), 25 Miranda, 24 Murillo, 21 Santon; 17 Medel, 6
Joao Mario; 87 Candreva (23 Eder 72), 19 Banega (27Gnoukouri 59), 44
Perisic; 9 Icardi.
Subs not used: 30 Carrizo, 7 Kondogbia, 8 Palacio, 33 D'Ambrosio, 55 Nagatomo, 77 Brozovic, 94 Yao, 95 Miangue, 96 Barbosa.
Coach: Frank de Boer.
Cagliari: 30 Storari;
19 Pisacane, 23 Ceppitelli, 2 Alves, 29 Murru; 16 Munari (3 Isla 68),
77 Tachtsidis, 20 Padoin; 8 Di Gennaro (18 Barella 77), 9 Melchiorri,
25 Sau (22 Borriello 59).
Subs not used: 1 Rafael, 13 Colombo, 4 Dessena, 24 Capuano, 26 Bittante, 32 Giannetti, 54 Salamon.
Coach: Massimo Rastelli.
Booked: Bruno Alves 25, Joao Mario 26, Sau 41, Munari 61, Tachtsidis 78, Barella 86.
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