Inter Milan took advantage of their rivals’ slip-ups to reclaim first place with a 1-0 win in Florence. The Nerazzurri were also helped by an almost unbelievably arrogant penalty
Juve (1-1 against Empoli) and Milan (2-2 against Bologna) had slipped up on Saturday, giving Inter a head start in the title race. However, the Nerazzurri had to travel to AC Florence, no easy task, but also one that Inter were not afraid of, as they have been unbeaten in Tuscany since April 22, 2017, i.e. six league games.
However, Milan struggled a little at first, partly because the Viola started briskly and seized the initiative. Florence proved to be on a par in large parts, but showed weaknesses in finishing and consequently hardly had any clear chances. Bonaventura had the best chance when he failed to beat Sommer in the 34th minute.
Martinez shows his brains
At this point, Inter, who had caught themselves after a good ten minutes and were acting more purposefully, had already missed two good opportunities (Carlos Augusto, 14th; Frattesi, 33rd) and had taken the lead through Lautaro Martinez: The Argentine had energetically but fairly held his own against Parisi at the near post from a corner from the left and then headed past friend and foe into the goal to make it 1-0 (14th).
That was also the score at the break, partly because referee Gianluca Aureliano did not comply with Florentine requests for a penalty for an alleged foul by Bastoni on Ranieri (35′) – the scene was also the subject of a VAR check
Florence lack ideas
After the break, Milan withdrew more strongly, wanting to lure Florence and launch the decisive counter-attack. As a result, the Viola gained more of the play, but did not know what to do with the increased possession. As a result, the game lurched along for a while.
In the 76th minute, the Tuscans suddenly had a great chance to equalize after referee Aureliano awarded a penalty following VAR intervention (Sommer had hit Nzola’s head with his fist instead of the ball). But Gonzalez took the penalty with great arrogance, delaying briefly before sliding the ball into the arms of Sommer.
In the end, it was a narrow 1-0 victory that saw Inter take the lead in the Serie A table ahead of the summit clash against Juve in San Siro next Sunday. Florence, meanwhile, will face Frosinone next Friday (8.45pm).
