Inter Milan can currently rely on their own defensive department despite some failures. This was also the case in the duel with promoted team Como 1907. The Nerazzurri didn’t shine here, but they got an important win.
After the famous 6-0 win in the Serie A top game at Lazio Roma and the commanding 2-0 win in the Coppa Italia round of 16 against Udinese Calcio, Inter Milan obviously needed some time to tackle Como 1907 the day before Christmas Eve.
The reigning champions initially had no luck at all, even coming under pressure from a cheeky Serie A newcomer who had recently annoyed Roma 2-0 for several minutes.
Dumfries misses the lead
As time went on, however, the Nerazzurri improved, exerting pressure and controlling the action with plenty of possession. What was missing before half-time, though, was a little ruthlessness and inventiveness in the gloriously cast forward line.
Only Dumfries and Mkhitaryan, who had shot narrowly wide in the 12th minute, combined well in the final third, with the former shooting hastily from an almost perfect position (33′).
Shortly before half-time, which Comos saw go into the break with a 0-0 draw, Dimarco was also freed. However, his half-time effort did not pose any major problems for veteran Pepe Reina in the clear underdog’s goal.
A header and a shot
The second half is quickly told, because the underdog in particular could hardly come up with anything offensively against the once again extremely stable back line of the Lombards – although experienced players like Pavard, Acerbi or Darmian had to pass on this day. Bisseck, Bastoni and Carlos Augusto also did a good job with their colleagues,
Just as the strikers suddenly scored with clinical precision: after a sharp Calhanoglu corner, Dumfries cleverly cleared the ball in the center, allowing Carlos Augusto to head the ball up and into the net from close range (48′). The spell was broken – and the lead would not be relinquished until the final whistle. This was also due to the fact that Inter goalscorer Carlos Augusto made a last-ditch save (61′), Paz headed a good effort towards Sommer (62′) and Comos’ substitute Cutrone missed a good opportunity to equalize – heading wide (87′)
So it was ultimately left to former Gladbach player Thuram to hammer home the final 2-0 with a powerful shot into the top right corner – goalkeeper Pepe Reina was unable to get a decisive touch – (90.+2). This was his twelfth goal of the season in 17 appearances, putting him in first place in the scoring charts with Retegui. With their third consecutive clean sheet in a competitive game, the reigning Serie A champions closed the gap on Napoli and leaders Atalanta and were able to celebrate in front of their own fans at the Giuseppe Meazza before the short Christmas break until the trip to Cagliari on Saturday.
