Table-topping Inter Milan wins easily against last-place Salernitana
FC Internazionale continues positive streak while Salernitana has yet to find first victory of 2024
For matchday 25, US Salernitana showed up at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium in Milan, last in the league and desperately looking for points to move up in the standings.
Furthermore, the terrible results of recent matches have led the management to change technical leadership, replacing coach Filippo Inzaghi with Fabio Liverani.
As for Inter Milan, despite its upcoming Round of 16 Champions League match against Atletico Madrid and the large gap it enjoys over pursuers Juventus and AC Milan, coach Simone Inzaghi fielded a first-choice line-up with the exception of Federico Dimarco and Francesco Acerbi (the latter out with a calf injury).
From the opening stages of the match, the league leaders revealed their splendid form by immediately taking control of the game and taking the offensive initiative.
Just a few minutes after kick-off, the Neroazzurri team hit the woodwork twice. First to bang the post was striker Marcus Thuram who wasted a good opportunity, after a nice save by Mexico international goalie Guillermo Ochoa.
Subsequently, an excellent long-range pass from Alessandro Bastoni was controlled by teammate Nicolò Barella who was able to coordinate himself and finish the play, although Ochoa made an acrobatic deflection that chipped the crossbar.
In the 17th minute FC Internazionale took the lead with a play that has now become classic. Midfielder Marcos Augusto won a tackle and advanced along the left flank before sending a low cross into the box where the unmarked Thuram scored the opening goal from a very favorable position.
The visitors were given no time to make the necessary tactical adjustments and, two minutes later, an individual move by captain Lautaro Martinez produced the second goal. Martinez scored with a beautiful curling shot that Ochoa could do nothing about.
Just before the half hour mark, Salernitana's much talked about acquisition, defender Jerome Boateng, was forced to leave the field due to muscular problems.
Despite the two-goal advantage, the home team maintained constant and ferocious offensive pressure which had Salernitana on the back foot, unable to establish possession in Inter's half of the field.
FC Internazionale created several more dangerous opportunities before the break, increasing the lead in minute 40 with a goal by Denzel Dumfries. The culprit was Salernitana defender Triantafyllos Pasalidis who clumsily deflected the ball towards his goalie. Ochoa managed to swat the ball and prevent an own goal but then Pasalidis interfered with Ochoa's attempt to corral the loose ball and the Dutch winger was quick to react.
The second half was not any different from the first half. The Neroazzurri maintained possession, patiently managing the pace of the game. For its part, Salernitana seemed content to sit back and avoid complete embarrassment.
The visitors finally took their first shot in minute 58 via an Antonio Candreva free kick but it was not on target.
After the hour, coach Inzaghi made his first substitutions in view of the Atletico de Madrid match on Tuesday, giving some players a breather, including the attacking duo of Martinez and Thuram.
The match continued with less intensity and without clear scoring opportunities, at least until sub Marko Arnautovic found the net with a close-range shot, taking advantage of a cross from Dumfries.
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After ended any discussions early in the first half, FC Internazionale simply dominated Salernitana every which way. The Neroazzurri finished with 26 attempts including 10 shots on goal while the hapless visitors never worried Inter netminder Yann Sommer.