Fiorentina vs Inter 1-3: The Champions Turn the Table on the Viola

Fiorentina, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Serie A

At the Artemio Franchi Stadium in Florence, the high-flying Fiorentina hosted Inter in what was arguably the most anticipated match of the midweek round. The hosts started brilliantly, and broke the deadlock through Riccardo Sottil and could have added more as they dominated the action in the first half. Nonetheless, the Italian champions turned the table on their opponents with back-to-back goals early in the second half, before sealing their win with a late strike, as the match ended in a 3-1 result.

Vincenzo Italiano started with his usual 4-3-3 formation, with Bart Dragowski between the sticks, Marco Benassi, Nikola Milenkovic, Matija Nastasic and Cristiano Biraghi in defense.

Lucas Torreira operated in the Regista role, with Giacomo Bonaventura and Alfred Duncan by his side. Dusan Vlahovic spearheaded the attack, supported by Riccardo Sottil and Nicolas Gonzalez.

On the other corner, Simone Inzaghi unleashed his 3-5-2 lineup, with Milan Skriniar, Stefan de Vrij and Alessandro Bastoni in front of club captain Samir Handanovic.

Nicolò Barella, Marcelo Brozovic and Hakan Calhanoglu acted as the midfield trio, with Matteo Darmian and Ivan Perisic operating on the wings. Edin Dzeko returned to the starting formation, lining up beside Lautaro Martinez upfront.

Fiorentina almost scored after one minute, as their high pressing caused havoc inside the Inter areas. Vlahovic fed Gonzalez but Handanovic reached the ball fall first with a timely dive, and Biraghi’s follow-up went just wide off target.

Few minutes later, the Nerazzurri were once again saved by their captain. De Vrij failed to properly clear the ball out of the box, and Vlahovic pounced on the opportunity with a venomous shot, but Handa flew to parry it out.

The Viola’s pressure continued to mount, and a long ball reached Gonzalez on the left flank. The Argentine ran to the box and sent the ball across the box towards Sottil who smashed it home from close range, giving the hosts a well-deserved lead.

Inter fans had to wait for the half-hour mark to witness their team’s first goal-scoring opportunity of the match. Calhanoglu’s freekick went towards the far post, but Dragowski was on alert and parried the shot away.

The champions thought to have levelled the score with a swift counter attack that ended up with an own goal by Benassi, but the flag went up, as Perisic was in fact in offside position. The first half ended with logical advantage for the hosts.

The second period started with some end-to-end to action, but the Beneamata were eventually able to find the equalizer. Dzeko noticed Barella’s run towards the box. The Italian took the ball forward and set up Darmian who unleashed a well-taken shot to the far post.

However, Inter didn’t stop there. Two minutes later, they completed a shocking comeback as Hakan’s corner kick found Dzeko. The Bosnian sent his header towards the middle of the goal, but the power took it past Dragowski.

Inter almost made it a three with a swift counter attack that caught the Fiorentina defenses off guard. Barella’s pass found Lautaro inside the box but the latter scuffed his shot wide.

The Viola played with fire with some not-too-cautious passing at the back. Inzaghi’s players picked up the loose ball but Alexis Sanchez just couldn’t put his shot on target as the ball went over the bar.

Things went from bad to worse for Italiano’s side, as Gonzalez foolishly got himself sent off. The winger earned a yellow card for angrily objecting the referee’s decision, and then got a second yellow for sarcastically applauding the decision. The Argentine completely lost his temper and tried to have a go at the official before leaving the pitch.

Few minutes before the 90th minute, Inter put their numerical advantage to good use, putting their stamp on the win with a third goal. Vecino’s brilliant through ball put Gagliardini through, but the Italian unselfishly laid it towards Perisic’s path who put the ball in the net with a simple finish.

At the final whistle, Inter celebrated their fourth win of the season as they temporarily return to the top of the table, while Fiorentina were left to rue their wasted chances from their impressive first half display.

Read More – Inter Legend Backs New Nerazzurri Signing to Better Hakimi

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