Inter and Lazio returned to Europa League action on Thursday, each looking to improve their qualification chances after solid starts to the campaign. The Nerazzurri were able to grab the three points late on, but the Biancoceleste gave away a lead at the death to settle for a draw.
Inter 1-0 Partizan Belgrade
The Milanese giants looked sluggish throughout the first half, maintaining only 34% possession and struggling to create chances. On 21 minutes, Lazar Markovic nearly put the Serbians in front with a shock lead, but his curling effort was denied by the far post with Samir Handanovic beaten. Philippe Coutinho used his pace to beat a number of Partizan defenders on a mazy run to get himself into a dangerous position, but had to be substituted after a crunching, but legal, tackle by Vladimir Ostojic.
After the halftime restart, Inter finally began to grow into the match, showing more intent in the attacking third. Javier Zanetti came on to provide some much-needed veteran experience, shifting the Nerazzurri approach back to their more familiar four man defense.
On 62 minutes, Antonio Cassano had a glorious opportunity when a missed clearance saw him alone in the centre of the penalty area, but the controversial Italy international inexplicably ballooned his shot over the bar.
However, Inter found a late hero in summer signing Rodrigo Palacio, as the Argentine climbed high in the 88th minute to head home a Diego Milito cross to give the home side the victory.
With the win, Inter are now joint leaders with Rubin Kazan at the top of Group H, each on 7 points.
Panathinaikos 1-1 Lazio
Lazio dominated possession in the opening stages, with Antonio Candreva and Stephano Mauri each taking cracks at goal early on. Defender Andre Dias rattled the woodwork on 17 minutes with a header, signaling the capital club’s intent.
However, it was Panathinaikos right back Giourkas Seitaridis that gave the Biancoceleste the lead, as he passed the ball into his own net with the keeper having come out to claim. It was a horrific mental mistake, as Seitaridis had just received the ball from the net-minder himself, but failed to realize his positioning.
The match was suspended for a number of minutes in the second half, as tear gas began to float into the stadium when local fans engaged in a battle with police outside.
Lazio were wasteful with numerous chances, and eventually were punished late on for their profligacy after narrowly escaping conceding numerous times prior. From a corner, lackadaisical defending saw the ball fall to substitute Jose Toche, who equalized from close range in the 90th minute to secure a point for the Greeks.
Despite having lost the lead, Lazio go top of Group J with the tie on 5 points, as Tottenham shockingly also drew 1-1 with Maribor.
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