Inter got back to winning ways in round 24 of Serie A, overcoming Fiorentina 2-1. Notching up their second win in a row for the first time since November 2013.
It was a result which saw the Nerazzurri reduce the gap to their rivals in fourth place to only five points and could prove to be a morale boosting success.
Inter started the game like a house on fire, looking to take to game to La Viola and state their intentions early on. Rodrigo Palacio thought he had opened the scoring in the 13th minute when the Beneamata broke on the counter, for the Argentine striker to unleash a shot which had the beating of Fiorentina’s ‘keeper Neto, but unfortunately it ricocheted off the inside of the post and the score remained tied at 0-0 apiece.
Inter continued to create further chances, but had to wait until the 40th minute to break the deadlock, thanks to a great moment of play from Fredy Guarin and Palacio. Guarin executed a deft chip over the Fiorentina defence to play his teammate through on goal, which Palacio dually controlled with his chest and fired past the onrushing Neto. The Vision from Guarin to see Palacio’s run was divine and it was a rare moment of quality produced from the Colombian, who has often frustrated this season.
However, Fiorentina weren’t to be outdone and immediately after the restart Juan Cuadrado levelled the score at 1-1. He curled an effort in from the edge of the box which left Samir Handanovic shocked and there was a suggestion that the Colombian winger’s effort may have taken a slight deflection off Juan Jesus before sailing into the top corner.
Moments later, Inter coach Walter Mazzarri, made a switch all fans have long been clamouring to see when he withdrew Diego Milito to hand Mauro Icardi his return to the pitch since suffering groin injury and hernia issues.
The young forward’s impact will have delighted his coach, as he stole a march on Fiorentina’s Nenad Tomovic to volley in a Yuto Nagatomo cross and put the Nerazzurri 2-1 ahead. It was a fantastic moment for Inter’s no.9 who has endured a torrid eight months since signing for the club last July.
This goal will hopefully justify to Mazzarri that Icardi deserves a starting berth alongside Palacio over the remaining fixtures as he proves he has what it takes to lead Inter’s line. He offers a physical presence to Inter’s attack, as demonstrated by his cameos from the bench against Genoa and Juventus at home earlier in the season.
Fiorentina almost exposed Inter’s defensive flaws once more as Mario Gomez nearly snatched a late equalizer in the dying moments of the game. Alessandro Matri had mishit a shot across the goal mouth and the German international was waiting to pounce on Inter’s lapse in concentration; however, he couldn’t quite get the touch required to nudge the ball in. Inter had escaped Florence with all three points, but only just.
Following the game Mazzarri spoke to Sky Sport Italia and discussed some of the improvements Inter must make in order to climb the table.
“Tonight we did well, but we also risked throwing away two points, as we waste too many chances,” said the coach.
“Against a quality side like Fiorentina, they can score at any moment and nearly did at the end.
“We’ve got to improve in certain respects, as we are too naive and at times were lazy, giving away corners that could’ve cost us the game.
“Near the end we almost conceded on the counter from our own free kick. It’s absurd and we must still grow, playing well means not giving these opportunities to our opponent.”
Mazzarri also discussed Mauro Icardi’s performance and suggested the Argentine needs to work on his fitness before he’s ready to start fixtures, “[Mauro] Icardi? He scored a goal, then his performance decreased due to his condition. He needs to train hard and get in shape, as by the end he was barely able to run anymore.”
Having reduced the gap to Fiorentina in fourth place to only five points, Inter must now focus on maintaining their steady progress. Their next fixture is a home clash with Cagliari, who are still involved in a relegation battle. Mazzarri will hope to have the likes of Esteban Cambiasso and Ricky Alvarez back from injury for the fixture, but there is no question that claiming three points is an absolute necessity if the side is to continue its revival.
Follow Ryan Ross on Twitter: @rross11
