Inter defeated Fiorentina 2-1 at the Artemio Franchi on Saturday night in Serie A.
The Nerazzurri secured a second consecutive win in Serie A as a second half goal from Mauro Icardi clinched victory after Viola wing-back Juan Cuadrado had cancelled out Rodrigo Palacio’s opener.
In contrast to recent form it was Inter who took a deserved lead during the opening period with a lack of intensity from Fiorentina seemingly playing into the hands of Walter Mazzarri’s side, allowing them to create several opportunities for strikers Palacio and Diego Milito.
As early as the 13th minute the visitors nearly took the lead when Fredy Guarin had the freedom of the Artemio Franchi to slide a measured through ball to Palacio, but although the Argentinean beat Marvin Comper to the ball he saw his drive cannon off Neto’s right post.
Finally showing signs of what they had been missing in recent weeks shortly after it was then partner Milito’s turn to worry the Brazilian after a driving run from Hernanes gave him the ball, but with his strike straight at the Viola goalkeeper it was palmed away to safety.
Even with a reasonable amount of possession Vincenzo Montella’s men had little more than attempts from distance from Comper and Josip Ilicic to show for their first half efforts.
It was in the 34th minute that the Nerazzurri finally made their impressive start count after Palacio did well to control an awkward ball from Guarin on his chest and beat Neto to the dropping ball to fire home.
However, within a minute of the second period the teams where level after Cuadrado’s speculative 25-yard effort squeezing past Samir Handanovic, the Slovenian probably should have done better despite being slightly unsighted.
The goal and whatever rallying call Montella had given at the break clearly sparking the home side into action with a notable improvement in as they began closing Inter down with greater urgency.
With the Viola looking as though they would slowly start to take control of the match it was Inter that struck the next blow with 25 minutes remaining as Yuto Nagatomo played a wonderful cross from the left towards the penalty spot that was swept home expertly by substitute Icardi.
Lacking the probing play of the suspended Borja Valero Fiorentina looked devoid of the invention needed to prize open the Nerazzurri defensive unit and they were able to see out the final 10 minutes with relatively little concern.
Follow Kevin Pogorzelski on Twitter: @rabbitrabbiton
