Inter vs Empoli 4-2: Nerazzurri Script Comeback to Keep Title Hopes Alive

Inter completed a fine comeback to keep their Serie A hopes alive as they beat Empoli 4-2.

They were 0-2 down by the half-hour mark due to goals from Andrea Pinamonti and Kristijan Asllani. However, they found one with an own goal from Simone Romagnoli and a brace from Lautaro Martinez put them 3-2 up. Alexis Sanchez then added a goal to seal the win.

Inter Level from 0-2 Down

Empoli could not have asked for a better start as they opened the scoring in the fifth minute. Szymon Zurkowski delivered a pass across the face of goal and Pinamonti reached the ball ahead of Skriniar and tucked it in the back of the net.

The 22-year-old appeared to double Empoli’s lead but his goal was ruled out for offside.

Inter attacked persistently but the visitors’ backline was solid. The Nerazzurri had a few good chances to score, most notably when Denzel Dumfries received a pass from Nicolo Barella and attempted to shoot. However, the Dutchman was denied by Empoli goalie Guglielmo Vicario.

The champions were initially awarded a penalty after Barella was looked to have been fouled by Fabiano Parisi. However, the decision was reverted following a VAR check as it showed that the left-back got the ball.

Things became bad for Inter as a misjudgment from Stefan de Vrij saw Asllani latch on to a fine long ball before slotting past Handanovic to double Empoli’s lead.

The hosts pulled one back after Federico Dimarco’s cross was put into the back of the net by Romagnoli for an own goal. Inter continued to attack with Barella shooting over the bar. The Nerazzurri’s persistence paid off as Barella’s pass found Hakan Calhanoglu. The Turk passed the ball towards Martinez who found the goal with a bullet of a right-footed shot to level the scores for his team.

Inter had a glorious chance to take the lead just before half-time but Vicario did well to block Ivan Perisic’s shot.

Martinez and Sanchez Put the Match to Bed

Inter were hell-bent on taking the lead and attacked from the very first minute of the second half. Perisic sent a shot towards goal but he was denied by Vicario.

The Nerazzurri kept troubling the opposition backline and found their reward just after the hour mark when Martinez found the net for a second time to put his team ahead. Barella’s cross was blocked by Fiamozzi but it could only send the ball towards the Argentine who scored.

Inter continued to attack with the hopes of extending their lead and had numerous chances, most notably from Edin Dzeko. The Bosnian hit the post but later provided a fine pass for Sanchez who tucked the ball into an empty net to score Inter’s fourth.

It was a sublime display from Inter right from the start. They were lacking the end product in the beginning but managed to find the goods and get the win. Simone Inzaghi will be glad with the victory.

 

MATCH SCORECARD

May 6, 2022 – Serie A 2021-2022 Matchday 36

INTER – EMPOLI 2-2

SCORERS:  5′ Pinamonti (E), 28′ Asllani (E), 40′ Romagnoli (I, o.g.), 45′ Martinez (I), 64′ Martinez (I)

REFEREE: Mr. Manganiello

NOTES: Yellow Cards: Martinez (I); Added Time: 1st Half 2′, 2nd Half 4′