In a postponed fixture from match-day one, Serie B champions Benevento hosted Inter at the Stadio Ciro Vigorito. The Nerazzurri wasted absolutely no time as they took the lead within less than 30 seconds en route to an impressive 5-2 victory over the Campania side.
Inter Manager Conte had already flexed his muscles even before the kickoff as he set out a strong starting lineup despite making seven changes from the weekend win over Fiorentina. Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez spearhead the Beneamata‘s 3-5-2 formation, with Arturo Vidal making his full debut in midfield and Milan Skriniar returning in defense.
Meanwhile, Benevento coach Filippo Inzaghi tried to counter Inter’s frightening attack with an experienced defensive line featuring captain Christian Maggio, Kamil Glik and the hero from the weekend Luca Caldirola.
Before the small attendance were able to take their seats, Lukaku gave Inter the lead after just 28 seconds, as Sanchez freed Ashraf Hakimi on the right side, and the Moroccan delivered the ball to the Belgium international who finished from inside the 6 yards box.
Benevento tried their best to reply with chances of their own, but Inter’s high pressure caused them conceding two successive goals. In the 25th minute, Inter’s two fullbacks combined well to create a shooting opportunity for Roberto Gagliardini who didn’t miss the target from inside the penalty box.
Before Benevento were able to regroup, Inter scored their third of the night as goalkeeper Lorenzo Montipò awkwardly passed the ball straight to Gagliardini, who took it in the penalty area and served Lukaku the easiest of finishes.
In the 34th minute, however, the hosts were suddenly back in the match as they took advantage of a Samir Handanovic passing mistake. Gianluca Caprari placed his shot well at the bottom right corner.
Before the end of first half, the visitors restored their three-goal lead as Hakimi was rewarded for his efforts with a goal of his own. A dangerous Ashley Young cross from the left passed through the legs of Lukaku, but the Benevento defense failed to clear it quickly as the former Real Madrid youngster arrived from behind to steal the ball and tap it in. Inter took a 4-1 lead after the first 45 minutes.
The second half obviously couldn’t follow up on the folly of its predecessor, but Benevento started decently as Gabriele Moncini hit the outside of the post in the 49th minute.
The Stregoni were the better side for the first 20 minutes of the the half, but more worryingly for Inter, new signing Arturo Vidal had to leave the pitch early with an injury.
After four substitutions, Inter regained control on the match as Gagliardini almost scored his second goal of night, but his shot hit the woodwork. But, just a minute later, Alexis Sanchez delivered a delicious through ball to substitute Lautaro Martinez, and the Argentine expertly finished into the far corner as Inter get their fifth of the evening.
Although Benevento were expected to completely break down at this point, a smooth passing play left Caprari in front of the goal as he scored his side’s second of the night in the 76th minute.
In the last stages of the game, several chances were wasted at both ends of the pitch, as Inter substitutes Ivan Perisic and Christian Eriksen as well as Benevento striker Gianluca Lapadula all failed to add an 8th goal to the scoreboard.
And so the final whistle blew an end to the match signaling a comfortable away victory for Inter, and a stern warning for the rest of the Scudetto hopefuls.
MATCH REPORT
September 30, 2020 – Serie A 2020-2021 Round 1
BENEVENTO-INTER 2-5
SCORERS: 1′ Lukaku (I), 24′ Gagliardini (I), 28′ Lukaku (I), 34′ Caprari (B), 42′ Hakimi (I), 71′ Lautaro Martinez (I), 76′ Caprari (B)
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BENEVENTO (4-3-2-1): Montipò; Maggio (46′ Foulon), Caldirola, Glik, Barba (37′ Letizia); Schiattarella, Dabo (71′ Hetemaj), Ionita; Caprari, Insigne (46′ Tuia); Moncini (63′ Lapadula) (Manfredini, Gori, Del Pinto, Improta, Di Serio, Sau, Iago Falque) Coach: F. Inzaghi |
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INTER (3-4-1-2): Handanovic; Skriniar, De Vrij, Kolarov; Hakimi, Gagliardini (81′ Eriksen), Vidal (52′ Barella), Young (65′ Perisic); Sensi (65′ Brozovic); Lukaku (65′ Lautaro Martinez), Sanchez (Padelli, Radu, Ranocchia, Dalbert, D’Ambrosio, Bastoni, Pinamonti) Coach: Conte |
REFEREE: Mr. Piccinini from Forlì
NOTES: Yellow Cards: Schiattarella (B); Extra Time: 1st Half 2′, 2nd Half 3′