Walter Mazzarri was far from impressed as his side got back to winning ways against Sampdoria in round 33 of Serie A, despite the fans being happy with goal scoring potential of the team. The Nerazzurri put an impressive four goals past Il Doria without reply, as Mauro Icardi stole the show in what has become known as the Wanda derby.
Victory moved Inter back into fifth place as Parma were only able to draw 1-1 away to Bologna, granting the Beneamata a two point gap before the two sides meet in round 34.
Icardi was greeted to howls of insults from the home fans due to his off-field feud with Maxi Lopez and they were determined to put the young Argentine off his game. However, the striker opened the scoring in the 11th minute when he scored a special volley from a Rodrigo Palacio cross. Icardi celebrated by running to the home support and holding his hand to his ear and encouraging their torrents of abuse.
Icardi’s second came after half-time when he again combined with Palacio who passed across the face of goal to find Icardi in a better position and managed to fire in making it 3-0.
Palacio got his name on the score sheet when he rounded off the game with Inter’s fourth of the match. Inter’s second striker combined with Ricky Alvarez down the left to dribble through on goal and execute a deft finish. It was no less than Palacio deserved given his great performance and he scored one and provided two assists to inspire his teammates.
Sampdoria will feel hard done by given they had a player dismissed after 20 minutes when Eder and Walter Samuel became involved in a brawl, which saw the Brazilian receive his second yellow card.
It was a turning point in the match and Sampdoria were left undermanned given the player deficit as Inter began to dominate midfield and possession.
Despite Icardi and Palacio’s inspired performances, they relied upon Samir Handanovic to help keep a clean sheet too. The Slovenian ‘keeper was in inspirational form to produce nine saves to shut out Maxi Lopez and co. and even saved the Argentine’s penalty.
Inter’s man between the sticks has often been inconsistent this season and rarely have we seen him play to his usual high standards. But moments like those he produced against Sampdoria remind the fans of the potential he showed in his first season with the club.
The save Handanovic produced to deny Roberto Soriano’s curled effort was terrific and kept Inter in the lead before half-time.
Inter’s coach Mazzarri handed a shocking start to Mateo Kovacic in midfield, taking everyone by surprise. The Croatian has rarely been seen in the starting eleven during Mazzarri’s reign and he didn’t disappoint with a highly motivated performance.
The Nerazzurri fans have been calling for Mazzarri to play Kovacic in midfield for months and after finally giving in, the Croat started flanked by Esteban Cambiasso and Hernanes.
Kovacic’s work rate was inspired as he led Inter’s attacks and contributed in defence also. He made four tackles to retrieve possession for his side and was also dominant in building the team’s attacks from deep too.
His pass to Palacio in the build up for Inter’s third goal opened up Sampdoria’s defence and conveyed what Inter lack when he doesn’t play. He is a reliable option which the team can lean upon and Mazzarri has to give Kovacic more of a chance to prove himself.
After Parma were only able to draw 1-1 away to Bologna Inter opened up a two point gap over their sixth placed rivals. Next the Beneamata travel to face Parma in round 36 with the hope of claiming an important three points at the Stadio Ennio Tardini.
Parma possess an impressive home record and coach Roberto Donadoni is arguably coach of the season in Serie A. So Inter will have to keep their wits about them, but having just demolished Sampdoria 4-0 and with Icardi bang in form the Nerazzurri will fancy their chances of striking victory.
Follow Ryan Ross on Twitter: @rross11
