After a period of disapointing performances, Inter have risen from the ashes as they steam-rolled past Salernitana 5-0 at the Stadio San Siro to climb into first place temporarily with a total of 58 points.
El Toro Scores Brace to End Goal Drought
Within the opening minutes of the game, Inter established their dominance immediately on their pitch through their swift build-up play and their one-two combinations through the middle.
The Nerazzurri did a brilliant job of using long-balls out-wide to stretch the opposition as Denzel Dumfries and Matteo Darmian dominated the flanks in marvellous fashion. The pair of full-backs delivered several dangerous crosses within the opening minutes to the strike force, but Latauro Martinez’s header went straight into the keepers hands and Edin Dzeko’s header went out-wide.
Despite a defensive scare where Milan Djuric almost scored from the centre of the box from a counter attack, La Benemata’s back-line remained solid and broke up an abundance of attacking plays from I Granata.
Within the midfield, Nicolò Barella was the conductor of the orchestra in the final third as the Italian maestro added vibrancy and innovation through his peripheral vision and his incredible dribbling skills. The 24 year-old distributed a magnificent through ball for Martinez over Salernitana’s back-line, but the young Argentine’s venomous shot bounced off of the frame of the goal.
In the 22nd minute of play, Nicola’s side were no longer able to contain the Nerazzurri as Barella played a well-weighted through ball in between the lines for Martinez. The 24 year-old forward showed no hesitations and tucked the ball into the far low-corner to break Inzaghi’s side’s goal drought and hand Inter the 1-0 lead within this vital fixture.
In the 39th minute, the Italian international picked apart I Granata’s final line of defence once again as he distributed an incredible through ball into space for Martinez. El Toro remained composed as he weaved through the defenders within a very narrow area and scored a low-driven shot passed Luigi Sepe to double Inter’s advantage heading into the second half.
Dzeko Joins the Goal-Scoring Party
Within the second half, Inzaghi’s side showed no signs of slowing down as they maintained their momentum within the first half of 45. The Nerazzurri continued penetrating I Granata from the flanks, causing an immense amount of trouble for Nicola’s back-line.
Within the 56th minute, Barella played a well-weighted pass for Dzeko out-wide. The veteran striker used his strength to carry the ball passed the full-back and distribute a low cross for Martinez within the box. The 24 year-old marksman slid forward to get a foot on the ball and tap it into the back of the net to make it 3-0 at the San Siro, allowing him to tally a total of 51 Serie A goals in 125 appearances for La Beneamata.
Shortly after, Inzaghi made some tactical adjustments and added Auturo Vidal, Andrea Ranocchia, and Roben Gosens onto the pitch. It didn’t take long for the German full-back to make his mark on the fixture as he received a pass from the Chilean midfielder and distributed a well-paced pass for Dzeko in the box. The veteran striker remained composed and finished the tap-in to make it 4-0 for Inzaghi’s side.
Shortly after, Barella performed a fabulous one-two combination out-wide with Dumfries to break I Granta’s defensive shape. The Dutch full-back took advantage of the space and diced a fabulous through ball for Dzeko within the 18-yard box. The 35 year-old Bosnian marksman demonstrated his experience as he blasted the ball pace the goalkeeper to make it a brace for himself and seal all three points in a 5-0 victory at the Stadio San Siro.
What’s Next for Inter and Salernitana?
The Nerazzurri travel to the Anfield Stadium where they are set to play Liverpool in the second leg of the Champions League Round of 16 fixture, where they hope to turn their 2-0 deficit around. Meanwhile, I Granata prepare to face a tricky Sassuolo side at the Stadio Arechi.