Inter overcame a spirited Empoli display to defeat them 2-1 at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on Saturday evening,
Mauro Icardi gave the Nerazzurri an early lead before Manuel Pucciarelli equalised, and there was still time for Ivan Perisic to score before half time.
The fog of mediocrity has swirled around both sides since the start of 2016, and neither showed any signs of blowing them away during a soporific first period that saw the visitors pushing forward but to little effect.
That was until Icardi, so often a beacon for Roberto Mancini’s side received a ball from Ivan Perisic on the penalty spot after 12 minutes and lashed it into the roof of the net for his 16th goal of the season.
The goal ignited the game as both sides looked to attack, but neither was able to establish a position of dominance. Riccardo Saponara emerged as Empoli’s standout, and nearly brought his side level on the half-hour, first through a chance of his own, and then setting up a Massimo Maccarone chance shortly afterwards.
Maccarone remained positive and was the architect of the Azzurri’s equaliser, prodding the ball through to Pucciarelli, who wrong-footed Samir Handanovic to roll home. The parity did not last long, as within three minutes Perisic pounced on a mistake by Alberto Pelagotti and converted an easy chance.
The Azzurri continued to press for an equaliser as the second half began, but their efforts were seldom met with chances though a tidy passage of play allowed Marcel Buchel a chance, but he rifled wide.
The veteran Maccarone also enjoyed another opportunity, but couldn’t keep his lofted effort down as Handanovic approached. As the half wore on, Mancini’s side found themselves pressed further and further back as they demonstrated their defensive stubbornness.
Geoffrey Kondogbia had an excellent half, his energy ensuring Empoli’s threat was muted, while he linked most every Nerazzurri attack.
With the Azzurri’s threat limited after Piotr Zielinski’s substitution, Inter were able to see out a relatively comfortable last ten minutes, with Andrea Costa’s late effort after a corner the closest either side came to scoring. In the end, the ball was bundled wide, and Empoli were condemned to defeat.
The win confirms Inter’s place in next season’s Europa League group stage, while Empoli’s position in mid-table remains comfortable despite the defeat.
