Inter Milan have not lost a competitive match since December 20, 2023 (!) – a fact that remains true at the end of the 27th Serie A matchday. However, the sovereign leaders struggled in their clash with newly promoted CFC Genoa. In the end, however, it was a working victory, including an extended top series
It’s amazing how confident, dominant and successful Inter Milan have been this season. This was also evident at the end of the 27th Serie A matchday, with promoted CFC Genoa in a solid mid-table position.
First of all, the Genoese had to experience first-hand just how insurmountable Milan’s defense is (only twelve goals conceded in the first 26 league games – the best in Europe’s top five leagues). After an even opening phase in which the visitors got off to a good start, it was striker Retegui who missed what could have been a 1-0 lead. After a fine cross from Sabelli, the Italian international failed to head home from close range thanks to a great save from goalkeeper Sommer (25th minute).
Other than that, there was no way through for Retegui & Co. in the entire first period.
Asllani and Alexis celebrate goal debuts
And the Nerazzurri attack, which had scored 67 goals to date (also the best in Europe’s top five leagues)? After a manageable first few minutes with little esprit, little penetrating power and little finishing ability, they found their feet.
First, Dimarco despaired at a great reflex save from goalkeeper Martinez – and was probably also offside (15th), before Barella over-hit the crossbar with a volley after a fine chip (23rd). But so be it, the Interisti thought to themselves. Because in the 30th minute, the favorites took the lead and for the first time offered the very fine blade: After a fine opening pass from Barella, Lautaro Martinez, who had fallen slightly behind, picked up the ball and slotted it superbly into the path of Asllani at just the right moment. The 21-year-old Albanian-Italian footballer didn’t waste any time in the Genoa penalty area and slammed the ball under the crossbar.
A short time later, Barella was also well served, but his subsequent low shot hit the far left of the net (34′). However, because opponent Frendrup was pushed too hard at the same moment, a penalty was awarded – also reviewed by the VAR. Alexis Sanchez stepped up to the task and converted with razor-sharp precision into the right-hand corner. For the Chilean, who only returned to the Lombards from Olympique Marseille last summer, and for 1:0 scorer Asllani (16-time Albanian international), the goals were their first goals of the season – and also meant a deserved 2:0 at the break.
Curious: Later, a top view of the penalty scene was shown from behind the players involved, clearly showing that Frendrup had played the ball. A clear and very good block. It was therefore a wrong decision – bad luck for Genoa
First Vasquez, but then Retegui misses
Whoever thought that the Ligurians would resign themselves to their fate was wrong. The team with the top name “Il Grifone” (The Griffin) continued to keep up well, even if Alexis Sanchez missed his chance to score a brace (52′) and Mkhitaryan failed to beat Martinez with a shot from distance that was too central (also 52′). Two minutes later, however, the time had come and the underdogs were rewarded: Genoa’s Vasquez fired home emphatically after an advance and hit the bottom right corner to make it 1-2, with Sommer having no chance of defending. FC Internazionale conceded a home goal for the first time in over 500 minutes
The Milan team didn’t look too shocked after the goal, but played with fire from time to time. And luck was on their side: a strong finish from joker Vitinha to make it 2:2 was disallowed for offside (66′), while Retegui was allowed to head clear and just missed the target (74′). However, it was not enough, only a final cross could not be dealt with cleanly because two CFC players had not coordinated (90.+2).
And so Inter, for whom Thuram, Barella and Arnautovic had made some headway but missed the 3:1, recorded their twelfth successive competitive win – a three-pointer of the workmanlike variety. The almost certain new champions thus extended their lead at the top of the table over “chasers” Juventus (bitter 1:2 in Naples) to an impressive 15 points.
