Sampdoria’s best performance of the season held reigning Serie A holders Inter to a 2-2 draw in Genoa on Sunday afternoon. Despite taking the lead twice before half-time, the Nerazzurri failed to claim all three points against a spirited La Samp side.
Following Venezia’s 2-1 away win over fellow newcomers Empoli on Saturday, Sampdoria were the only team in Serie A yet to get off the mark this season ahead of the kick-off. However, defenders Maya Yoshida and Tommaso Augello made sure to put two past Inter and secure a precious point for the Genoa-based outfit. Though they remain winless after three league matches, a draw against current champions could serve as a springboard for the upcoming fixtures.
Meanwhile, Inter went into proceedings as overwhelming favorites on the back of a flying start under new boss Simone Inzaghi. But first-half goals from Federico Dimarco and Lautaro Martinez proved insufficient for the reigning champions to maintain their 100% Serie A start as they stumbled at Luigi Ferraris again.
Stefano Sensi’s latest physical setback added an insult to injury. The Italian playmaker replaced Hakan Calhanoglu midway through the second half but limped off the pitch after 15 minutes, leaving Inter with ten men in the final stretch.
Dimarco’s free-kick screamer from the edge of the box to break the deadlock was an absolute highlight of the match. The 23-year-old slotted in for injured Alessandro Bastoni and enjoyed a decent afternoon in Genoa. In addition to the stunning goal, Dimarco put in a solid defensive display, helping his 10-man side eke out a point.
Inzaghi’s side made the first misstep in their Serie A title defense, but Dimarco refused to his joy about scoring his first senior goal for Inter.
“When I stayed for six months at Inter and didn’t play much, I decided to go to Verona to put myself out there. Then the coach started to believe in me and tested me as a third central defender many times,” he replied when asked about his growth over the past six months (via TUTTOmercatoWEB).
Dimarco also delivered an update on his prefer position.
“It’s two different ways of playing. As a central defender I start more from the back. Of course, playing more in the front is better because you get more chances to score and to assist, but I will play where my coach asks me to. I went to Verona to work hard and gain a spot at Inter.
“It was the first time for me and I felt different. My first game as a starter for Inter. It was just different from any other game.”
Inter will return to action on Wednesday when they play host to Real Madrid at Giuseppe Meazza in their Champions League curtain-raiser. Revenge will be on the Italians’ minds when the two sides lock horns in midweek after Los Merengues won both last season’s Champions League group stage meetings.