MILAN – The action returned to San Siro after the international break. Luciano Spalletti went with the side that was expected ahead of kick-off. Handanovic was in goal, D’Ambrosio, Skriniar, Miranda and Dalbert made up the backline. Borja Valero and Gagliardini were in the heart of midfield with Candreva, Perisic and Joao Mario in the attacking positions behind Icardi. Inter started strongly with the inspired Gagliardini narrowly missing the target on two occasions. SPAL were organised at the back but in the 23rd minute, Icardi flicked it to Joao Mario who burst into the area and was brought down. Gavillucci originally awarded a free kick on the edge of the box before Var changed the decision to a penalty kick. Icardi made no mistake and Inter were in the lead. SPAL looked to respond but the Nerazzurri remained in control and D’Ambrosio went close on a couple of occasions with the second forcing Gomis to make a save in redirecting the ball over the bar.
The second half began with the teams unchanged. SPAL were able to up the tempo and they posed a risk on the left flank. The Nerazzurri came back well through Dalbert during his first start at the Giuseppe Meazza and Inter asked questions from outside the box. Brozovic had his chance soon after coming on for Joao Mario but the Croatian fired over under pressure from a good position after being set up by Perisic. A few minutes later, Skriniar burst forward and hit the bar with a long shot. The match seemed to be fizzling out before Perisic lit up the San Siro in the 90th minute with a spectacular goal. SPAL aimed to respond through Bonazzoli who fired narrowly wide from distance. The 58 thousand fans in attendance applauded the team off and it was a record attendance for a 12:30 kick-off. Inter are now on nine points at the top of table. Crotone will be the next opponents on Saturday.
INTER 2-0 SPAL (Icardi pen. 27', Perisic 88')
INTER: 1 Handanovic, 5 Gagliardini, 9 Icardi, 10 Joao Mario (66' Brozovic), 20 Borja Valero (77' Vecino), 25 Miranda, 29 Dalbert, 33 D'Ambrosio, 37 Skriniar, 44 Perisic, 87 Candreva (89' Eder)
Bench: 27 Padelli, 46 Berni, 11 Vecino, 13 Ranocchia, 17 Karamoh, 23 Eder, 55 Nagatomo, 61 Vanheusden, 77 Brozovic, 99 Pinamonti
Coach: Luciano Spalletti
SPAL: 1 Gomis, 15 Vaisanen, 20 Mora (77' Grassi), 21 Salamon, 22 Borriello, 23 Vicari, 28 Schiattarella, 29 Lazzari, 33 Costa, 43 Paloschi (66' Antenucci), 77 Viviani (84' Bonazzoli)
Bench: 17 Poluzzi, 92 Marchegiani, 6 Cremonesi, 7 Antenucci, 8 Bellemo, 9 Bonazzoli, 12 Konate, 14 Mattiello, 18 Schiavon, 24 Vitale, 27 Felipe, 88 Grassi.
Coach: Leonardo Semplici
Referee: Gavillucci
Assistants: Schenone, Mondin
Fourth Official: Ghersini
VAR Operators: Mazzoleni, Giua
Bookings: D'Ambrosio (I), Gagliardini (I), Vicari (S), Mora (S)
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