Champions Inter could not use the “template” of rivals Milan and missed the jump to 1st place. Sassuolo countered the Nerazzurri, who themselves created a proliferation of chances.
Sassuolo started furiously at San Siro and had the first good chance to take the lead after just 48 seconds. However, Traoré failed to hit the ball properly. Inter lost many balls in their build-up play in the early stages and invited the visitors to counterattack. One of these counterattacks led to the deserved lead: Lopez finished a combination with a long shot for 1:0 – Handanovic did not look good with the centrally shot ball (8th).
The goal was a wake-up call for the reigning Italian champions. The home side took control of the game, but despite their superiority, they could not create any big chances. The visitors showed how chances are created: Scamacca appeared completely free at the second post on a counter-attack after a Traoré cross from half field and headed the ball into the net with the help of the inside left post for 2:0 (26.).
Milan were looking for the equaliser before the break. But nothing more than a header by Skriniar (31.) and a shot from distance by Gagliardini (35.) came of it. The visitors, on the other hand, almost increased their lead. But Berardi’s shot only hit the crossbar (38th).
Martinez shoots past the empty net
Inzaghi reacted at the break and brought on Dzeko, among others, who was to take centre stage in the second half. The Bosnian failed three times between the 58th and 69th minute to save brilliantly from Consigli. On one occasion it was particularly close when the goalkeeper had to stretch on a header by the attacker and could only deflect the ball on the goal line (63rd).
The biggest chance for the hosts, however, was missed by striker Martinez when he could not put the ball into the empty goal after a scramble (74.). In the final phase, however, Alessio Dionisi’s team was closer to the next goal. Twice Raspadori (75th, 78th) and once Berardi (79th) missed the decision. However, the Nerazzurri could only score an irregular goal (90.+4): In the run-up to De Vrij’s goal, Dimarco had received the ball on his upper arm.
For Inter, who could not take advantage of the slip-up of league leaders AC Milan, it’s already on Friday against Genoa (9pm). Sassuolo welcome Fiorentina on Saturday (20.45).
