Inter recorded a 1-0 victory over Bologna at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara in Serie A on Tuesday night.
Nerazzurri captain Mauro Icardi scored the only goal of the game, while the Biscione had Felipe Melo sent off in the second half.
In the first half, it was the Nerazzurri that first came close to finding the back of the net. Summer signing Ivan Perisic rose highest to meet Adem Ljajic’s free kick on the edge of the area, but he made minimal contact with his weak header.
The Rossoblu had their own chances before the break, Alex Ferrari making excellent progress from full-back, getting as far as the penalty area but was halted emphatically by Davide Santon.
Inter had their first clear chance just before the half time whistle. Ljajic and Santon exchanged passes in a wide position, before the full-back crossed into the box toward Mauro Icardi, but Luca Rossettini did just enough to ensure the Argentinian couldn’t find the target.
In the second half it became more and more one-sided. A brilliant ball into the box from Perisic was trapped at the feet of Ljajic, but neither the Serb nor Icardi could find the finishing touch.
Despite their dominance, the Nerazzurri were dealt a blow when Felipe Melo picked up his second booking of the game; infuriating Roberto Mancini on the bench.
However he was appeased shortly after when Icardi gave Inter the lead. A pass from Perisic was missed entirely by Daniele Gastaldello and Adem Ljajic received the ball, moved it across the face of goal for the Inter captain to thunder past Angelo da Costa.
Substitute Mattia Destro squandered a great chance which Samir Handanovic saved brilliantly, but the Nerazzurri opted to hold their advantage and absorbed the Bologna pressure, eventually holding on for all three points.
