Category: Serie A

Lautaro Martinez: ‘Inter the most important thing’

May 6, 2022

Lautaro Martinez explains the difficulty of his first goal in the 4-2 comeback win over Empoli and why ‘Inter is the most important thing of all.’

The Nerazzurri were shaken after going 2-0 down at San Siro to Empoli with Andrea Pinamonti and Kristjan Asllani goals, but Simone Romagnoli put into his own net before Lautaro Martinez equalised.

The turnaround was completed after the restart with another Lautaro Martinez strike and Alexis Sanchez in stoppages.

“We managed to recover after going two goals down and played in the second half with the intensity that we are capable of,” the Argentina international told DAZN.

“My first goal was certainly tougher than the second, because I saw the goalkeeper had two players in front of him, so I aimed for the far post.”

This victory sends Inter temporarily top of the Serie A table, awaiting Milan’s trip to Hellas Verona on Sunday.

“It was an important game for us, but then we’ve been saying that for weeks now. We’re in the running for another title and we must do everything we can to win it.”

Meanwhile, Lautaro Martinez has already achieved a new personal best with 23 competitive goals this season.

“I try to improve every day and keep raising the bar. I also must do what the coach asks, because Inter is the most important thing of all.”

Lautaro was asked if he has written to his fellow Argentina international Giovanni Simeone to encourage Verona to give their best against Milan.

“No, no, I don’t need to do that, I am sure Verona will put in a great performance.”

Serie A Highlights: Inter 4-2 Empoli

May 6, 2022

Watch as Empoli stun the San Siro crowd by going 2-0 up, but Inter complete an extraordinary comeback to win 4-2, not to mention VAR drama and the upright rattled.

Inter-owned Andrea Pinamonti opened the scoring on Szymon Zurkowski’s assist, but VAR took centre-stage when another Empoli goal was disallowed for an earlier offside and the Nerazzurri penalty award was revoked.

Serie A | Inter 4-2 Empoli: Lautaro comeback keeps Scudetto race alive

Kristjan Asllani did double their lead after a defensive error, but Simone Romagnoli’s own goal and a Lautaro Martinez first-time strike off the outside of the boot completed the comeback.

Inter took control, Lautaro Martinez and Alexis Sanchez scoring around Edin Dzeko hitting the upright.

Nach 0:2-Rückstand: Doppelpacker Martinez macht gegen Empoli den Unterschied

May 6, 2022

Inter wurde am Freitag von Empoli gefordert und lieferte sich mit den Gästen ein packendes Duell. Die Mailänder, die zumindest vorerst die Tabellenführung übernehmen, arbeiteten sich nach einem 0:2-Rückstand zurück, wobei Martinez mit seinem Doppelpack eine entscheidende Rolle spielte.

Erzielte den Ausgleich und Führungstreffer: Lautaro Martinez.

Erzielte den Ausgleich und Führungstreffer: Lautaro Martinez.

IMAGO/Insidefoto

Inter Mailand hatte am Freitagabend die Chance, Stadtrivale AC Mailand zu überholen und den ersten Tabellenplatz bis mindestens Sonntag zu erobern. Dabei setzte Trainer Simone Inzaghi auf drei Neue nach dem 2:1-Sieg gegen Hellas Verona: Correa, Dumfries und Calhanoglu liefen für Dzeko, Darmian und Gagliardini von Beginn an auf. Wer beim Duell Zweiter gegen Vierzehnter einen deutlichen Sieg der favorisierten Hausherren erwartete, sollte sich täuschen.

Pinamonti schockt Inter – Asllani legt nach

Inter fand gegen den mutig agierenden FC Empoli vorerst nicht so richtig in die Spur. Stattdessen waren es die Gäste, die hoch anliefen und in den Zweikämpfen meist die Oberhand behielten. Und: Empoli schlug früh zu. Pinamonti vollstreckte per Grätsche zum 1:0 (5.). Beinahe hätten die Toskaner direkt das zweite Tor nachgelegt, doch diesmal stand Pinamonti, der bei Zurkowskis vermeintlichem Treffer als Vorlagengeber in Erscheinung trat, einen Schritt im Abseits – kein Tor (11.).

Nach dem furiosen Beginn der Gäste erhöhte Inter die Schlagzahl. Vor allem über die Außen kamen die Hausherren in die gefährlichen Räume hinter der letzten Kette. Einen ersten Aufreger im Gäste-Strafraum lieferte Barella, der nach Parisis Grätsche zu Boden ging (23.). Zu Recht gab es aber keinen Strafstoß, da der Verteidiger zuerst den Ball spielte, ehe er anschließend den quirligen Italiener traf. Stattdessen kam es für Inter doppelt bitter: Denn auf der Gegenseite traf Empoli erneut. Asllani bestrafte die luftige Verteidigung nach einem langen Ball und überwand Handanovic zum 2:0 (28.).

Martinez lässt seine Klasse aufblitzen

In der Folge trat Inter zwingender auf – und wurde belohnt. Zwar war es kein Spieler der Hausherren, doch Empoli-Verteidiger Romagnoli holte die Mailänder mit einem Eigentor zurück in die Partie (40.). Inter kam dann sogar noch vor der Pause zum Ausgleich. Martinez setzte die Kugel per Spannschuss direkt und unhaltbar neben den rechten Pfosten (45.). Vor dem Seitenwechsel sicherte Vicario den Gästen den 2:2-Pausenstand, indem er Perisics Volley entschärfte (45.+3).

Doppelpacker Martinez bringt Inter auf die Siegerstraße

Im zweiten Durchgang schaltete der Meister nochmal einen Gang hoch, womit Empoli mit andauernder Spielzeit zu kämpfen hatte. Entlastungsangriffe wurden immer seltener und der Druck immer größer. Deshalb ergaben sich mehrere Hochkaräter, die aber ungenutzt blieben (51., 63., 64.), bis Martinez das Stadion zum Beben brachte: Der Argentinier war bei einem Klärungsversuch am richtigen Ort und drückte den Ball links unten in die Maschen (64.). Nach dieser furiosen Phase ging der Treffer in Ordnung, da Empoli kaum an die Leistung aus dem ersten Durchgang anknüpfen konnte.

Nach dem 3:2 übernahm Inter das Spiel und riss die Kontrolle weiter an sich. Trotzdem lag in der Schlussphase weiterhin Spannung in der Luft, da die Gastgeber einige Chancen auf die Vorentscheidung liegen ließen, die Größte vergab Brozovic (90.+2, 90.+3). Quasi mit dem Schlusspfiff tütete Joker Sanchez aber den Sieg für die Hausherren ein und traf in das leere Tor (90.+4).

Tore und Karten

0:1
Pinamonti (5′)

0:2
Asllani (28′)

1:2
Romagnoli (40′, Eigentor)

2:2
L. Martinez (45′)

3:2
L. Martinez (64′)

4:2
A. Sanchez (90′)

Tore und Karten

0:1
Pinamonti (5′)

0:2
Asllani (28′)

1:2
Romagnoli (40′, Eigentor)

2:2
L. Martinez (45′)

3:2
L. Martinez (64′)

4:2
A. Sanchez (90′)

Inter Mailand

L. Martinez (65. )


Inter Mailand

Inter


Inter Mailand

Inter

Aufstellung

Einwechslungen

Reservebank

Trainer:


FC Empoli

Empoli


FC Empoli

Empoli

Aufstellung

Einwechslungen

Reservebank

Trainer:

Andreazzoli

Schiedsrichter-Team
Gianluca Manganiello

Gianluca Manganiello
Italien

Schiedsrichter-Team

Gianluca Manganiello

Gianluca Manganiello
Italien

Spielinfo


Stadion

Giuseppe Meazza

Spielinfo


Anstoß

06.05.2022, 18:45 Uhr


Stadion

Giuseppe Meazza Mailand


Eckenverhältnis

14:2

Somit reichte es für den Meister zumindest vorerst die Tabellenführung zu übernehmen. Empoli agierte in Durchgang eins auf Augenhöhe, kam nach dem 2:3 aber nicht mehr zurück ins Spiel. Inter geht somit mit Rückenwind ins Pokalfinale am kommenden Mittwoch gegen Juventus Turin (LIVE! bei kicker). Empoli empfängt am Samstag die US Salernitana.

Criscito nets late penalty to fire relegation-threatened Genoa to win over Juventus

May 6, 2022

An injury-time penalty from Domenico Criscito fired relegation-threatened Genoa to a 2-1 win over Juventus.

Genoa trailed with three minutes left on the clock, but Albert Gudmundsson drew them level and Criscito fired home from the spot deep in injury time for three points as they battle to avoid the drop.

After a slow start to the half with Juventus controlling the majority of the possession, Genoa gradually grew into the game towards the end of the opening 45 minutes.

Transfers

Chelsea could lose Mount and Pulisic this summer – Paper Round

02/05/2022 AT 05:40

The best chance of the half fell to striker Mattia Destro, who headed a corner over from close-range.

Wojciech Szczesny, who had little to do in the first 40 minutes, found himself called into action three times as the first half drew to a close, giving Genoa confidence going into the second period.

Destro continued to prove problematic, and forced a strong save out of Szczesny on the stroke of half time after a speculative long-range effort was beaten away by the Poland international.

Genoa had another chance through Destro 60 seconds into the second half, but after meeting a fizzed delivery across the box, blazed his first-time effort over the bar.

Two minutes later Juventus took the lead through Paulo Dybala, who scored his ninth goal against Genoa in spectacular fashion. He picked the ball up 25 yards from goal and crafted a pinpoint strike towards the far post, before nestling into the bottom left corner.

Juventus were awarded a penalty in the 83rd minute when substitute Marley Ake was fouled by Gudmundsson, but a quick VAR check showed he got enough of the ball for the referee to overturn the decision.

Minutes later Gudmundsson levelled the score with a neat finish beyond Szczesny.

The host’s were awarded a penalty deep into injury-time, which was dispatched by club captain Criscito to complete the comeback and earn a valuable three points for Genoa.

With two games remaining, Genoa have hope in the battle to stay up.

TALKING POINT – HUGE COMEBACK WIN FOR GENOA

The odds remain stacked against them in the relegation battle, but a late double wrapped up all three points for the hosts, who needed them now more than ever. With three minutes to go it looked like they were heading for defeat, and potential relegation on Sunday, but an Albert Gudmundsson goal turned the tide before captain Domenico Criscito kept his cool to dispatch a penalty deep into added time.

Relegation rivals Cagliari and Salernitana face-off this weekend, but for now Genoa sit just a point from safety with two games to go. They’ve taken their chance and it could be worth top-flight football next season.

MAN OF THE MATCH – PAULO DYBALA (JUVENTUS)

The Argentine was the best player on the pitch by a distance. He was replaced when Juventus were leading and in cruise control, with Max Allegri likely having one eye on Wednesday’s Coppa Italia final, but outclassed his opposition throughout the game.

He took his goal exceptionally, showing elite precision to find the bottom corner from 25 yards out, and almost repeated the strike later on in the game, but was denied by the post. The goal was his 115th for Juventus, and ninth against Genoa.

MATCH RATINGS

GENOA: Sirigu 7, Hefti 7, Bani 6, Ostigard 6, Criscito 8, Galdames 6, Badelj 6, Melegoni 6, Amiri 7, Portanova 8, Destro 7

Subs: Yeboah 5, Gudmundsson 8, Ekuban 5, Frendrup 5

JUVENTUS: Szczesny 6, Cuadrado 6, Bonucci 7, Rugani 6, De Sciglio 7, Arthur 5, Miretti 6, Rabiot 6, Dybala 9*, Vlahovic 7, Kean 5

Subs: Sandro 5, Ake N/A, Morata 6, Bernardeschi 5, Zakaria 5

KEY MOMENTS

31’ – CHANCE GENOA! After forcing a cheap corner out of Kean, Destro wins the header in front of goal but guides it over the bar. The best chance so far for the hosts.

45’+1 – PORTANOVA STRIKES FROM RANGE! And Szczesny beats it away! That was a great effort from the winger against his former club. The Juventus goalkeeper has been called into action a few times in the last couple minutes after a quiet half.

48’ – GOAL! GENOA 0-1 JUVENTUS (DYBALA): And what a strike it is! He finds the bottom corner from roughly 25 yards out. That’s his ninth goal against Genoa.

87’ – GOAL! GENOA 1-1 JUVENTUS (GUDMUNDSSON): His first for Genoa and what a time to get it! A cool finish gives Szczesny no chance!

90’+6 – GOAL! GENOA 2-1 JUVENTUS (CRISCITO): Incredible scenes! A huge moment for Genoa! Criscito buries the penalty in the bottom left corner.

KEY STAT

  • 115 – Paulo Dybala scored his 115th goal for Juventus, equalling Roberto Baggio (9th place each in the all time Bianconeri scorers ranking). (Opta).

Serie A

Bonucci nets double as Juventus edge out Venezia

01/05/2022 AT 10:08

Football

Mino Raiola dies aged 54

30/04/2022 AT 14:35

Criscito nets late penalty to fire relegation-threatened Genoa to win over Juventus

May 6, 2022

An injury-time penalty from Domenico Criscito fired relegation-threatened Genoa to a 2-1 win over Juventus.

Genoa trailed with three minutes left on the clock, but Albert Gudmundsson drew them level and Criscito fired home from the spot deep in injury time for three points as they battle to avoid the drop.

After a slow start to the half with Juventus controlling the majority of the possession, Genoa gradually grew into the game towards the end of the opening 45 minutes.

Transfers

Chelsea could lose Mount and Pulisic this summer – Paper Round

02/05/2022 AT 05:40

The best chance of the half fell to striker Mattia Destro, who headed a corner over from close-range.

Wojciech Szczesny, who had little to do in the first 40 minutes, found himself called into action three times as the first half drew to a close, giving Genoa confidence going into the second period.

Destro continued to prove problematic, and forced a strong save out of Szczesny on the stroke of half time after a speculative long-range effort was beaten away by the Poland international.

Genoa had another chance through Destro 60 seconds into the second half, but after meeting a fizzed delivery across the box, blazed his first-time effort over the bar.

Two minutes later Juventus took the lead through Paulo Dybala, who scored his ninth goal against Genoa in spectacular fashion. He picked the ball up 25 yards from goal and crafted a pinpoint strike towards the far post, before nestling into the bottom left corner.

Juventus were awarded a penalty in the 83rd minute when substitute Marley Ake was fouled by Gudmundsson, but a quick VAR check showed he got enough of the ball for the referee to overturn the decision.

Minutes later Gudmundsson levelled the score with a neat finish beyond Szczesny.

The host’s were awarded a penalty deep into injury-time, which was dispatched by club captain Criscito to complete the comeback and earn a valuable three points for Genoa.

With two games remaining, Genoa have hope in the battle to stay up.

TALKING POINT – HUGE COMEBACK WIN FOR GENOA

The odds remain stacked against them in the relegation battle, but a late double wrapped up all three points for the hosts, who needed them now more than ever. With three minutes to go it looked like they were heading for defeat, and potential relegation on Sunday, but an Albert Gudmundsson goal turned the tide before captain Domenico Criscito kept his cool to dispatch a penalty deep into added time.

Relegation rivals Cagliari and Salernitana face-off this weekend, but for now Genoa sit just a point from safety with two games to go. They’ve taken their chance and it could be worth top-flight football next season.

MAN OF THE MATCH – PAULO DYBALA (JUVENTUS)

The Argentine was the best player on the pitch by a distance. He was replaced when Juventus were leading and in cruise control, with Max Allegri likely having one eye on Wednesday’s Coppa Italia final, but outclassed his opposition throughout the game.

He took his goal exceptionally, showing elite precision to find the bottom corner from 25 yards out, and almost repeated the strike later on in the game, but was denied by the post. The goal was his 115th for Juventus, and ninth against Genoa.

MATCH RATINGS

GENOA: Sirigu 7, Hefti 7, Bani 6, Ostigard 6, Criscito 8, Galdames 6, Badelj 6, Melegoni 6, Amiri 7, Portanova 8, Destro 7

Subs: Yeboah 5, Gudmundsson 8, Ekuban 5, Frendrup 5

JUVENTUS: Szczesny 6, Cuadrado 6, Bonucci 7, Rugani 6, De Sciglio 7, Arthur 5, Miretti 6, Rabiot 6, Dybala 9*, Vlahovic 7, Kean 5

Subs: Sandro 5, Ake N/A, Morata 6, Bernardeschi 5, Zakaria 5

KEY MOMENTS

31’ – CHANCE GENOA! After forcing a cheap corner out of Kean, Destro wins the header in front of goal but guides it over the bar. The best chance so far for the hosts.

45’+1 – PORTANOVA STRIKES FROM RANGE! And Szczesny beats it away! That was a great effort from the winger against his former club. The Juventus goalkeeper has been called into action a few times in the last couple minutes after a quiet half.

48’ – GOAL! GENOA 0-1 JUVENTUS (DYBALA): And what a strike it is! He finds the bottom corner from roughly 25 yards out. That’s his ninth goal against Genoa.

87’ – GOAL! GENOA 1-1 JUVENTUS (GUDMUNDSSON): His first for Genoa and what a time to get it! A cool finish gives Szczesny no chance!

90’+6 – GOAL! GENOA 2-1 JUVENTUS (CRISCITO): Incredible scenes! A huge moment for Genoa! Criscito buries the penalty in the bottom left corner.

KEY STAT

  • 115 – Paulo Dybala scored his 115th goal for Juventus, equalling Roberto Baggio (9th place each in the all time Bianconeri scorers ranking). (Opta).

Serie A

Bonucci nets double as Juventus edge out Venezia

01/05/2022 AT 10:08

Football

Mino Raiola dies aged 54

30/04/2022 AT 14:35

Criscito nets late penalty to fire relegation-threatened Genoa to win over Juventus

May 6, 2022

An injury-time penalty from Domenico Criscito fired relegation-threatened Genoa to a 2-1 win over Juventus.

Genoa trailed with three minutes left on the clock, but Albert Gudmundsson drew them level and Criscito fired home from the spot deep in injury time for three points as they battle to avoid the drop.

After a slow start to the half with Juventus controlling the majority of the possession, Genoa gradually grew into the game towards the end of the opening 45 minutes.

Transfers

Chelsea could lose Mount and Pulisic this summer – Paper Round

02/05/2022 AT 05:40

The best chance of the half fell to striker Mattia Destro, who headed a corner over from close-range.

Wojciech Szczesny, who had little to do in the first 40 minutes, found himself called into action three times as the first half drew to a close, giving Genoa confidence going into the second period.

Destro continued to prove problematic, and forced a strong save out of Szczesny on the stroke of half time after a speculative long-range effort was beaten away by the Poland international.

Genoa had another chance through Destro 60 seconds into the second half, but after meeting a fizzed delivery across the box, blazed his first-time effort over the bar.

Two minutes later Juventus took the lead through Paulo Dybala, who scored his ninth goal against Genoa in spectacular fashion. He picked the ball up 25 yards from goal and crafted a pinpoint strike towards the far post, before nestling into the bottom left corner.

Juventus were awarded a penalty in the 83rd minute when substitute Marley Ake was fouled by Gudmundsson, but a quick VAR check showed he got enough of the ball for the referee to overturn the decision.

Minutes later Gudmundsson levelled the score with a neat finish beyond Szczesny.

The host’s were awarded a penalty deep into injury-time, which was dispatched by club captain Criscito to complete the comeback and earn a valuable three points for Genoa.

With two games remaining, Genoa have hope in the battle to stay up.

TALKING POINT – HUGE COMEBACK WIN FOR GENOA

The odds remain stacked against them in the relegation battle, but a late double wrapped up all three points for the hosts, who needed them now more than ever. With three minutes to go it looked like they were heading for defeat, and potential relegation on Sunday, but an Albert Gudmundsson goal turned the tide before captain Domenico Criscito kept his cool to dispatch a penalty deep into added time.

Relegation rivals Cagliari and Salernitana face-off this weekend, but for now Genoa sit just a point from safety with two games to go. They’ve taken their chance and it could be worth top-flight football next season.

MAN OF THE MATCH – PAULO DYBALA (JUVENTUS)

The Argentine was the best player on the pitch by a distance. He was replaced when Juventus were leading and in cruise control, with Max Allegri likely having one eye on Wednesday’s Coppa Italia final, but outclassed his opposition throughout the game.

He took his goal exceptionally, showing elite precision to find the bottom corner from 25 yards out, and almost repeated the strike later on in the game, but was denied by the post. The goal was his 115th for Juventus, and ninth against Genoa.

MATCH RATINGS

GENOA: Sirigu 7, Hefti 7, Bani 6, Ostigard 6, Criscito 8, Galdames 6, Badelj 6, Melegoni 6, Amiri 7, Portanova 8, Destro 7

Subs: Yeboah 5, Gudmundsson 8, Ekuban 5, Frendrup 5

JUVENTUS: Szczesny 6, Cuadrado 6, Bonucci 7, Rugani 6, De Sciglio 7, Arthur 5, Miretti 6, Rabiot 6, Dybala 9*, Vlahovic 7, Kean 5

Subs: Sandro 5, Ake N/A, Morata 6, Bernardeschi 5, Zakaria 5

KEY MOMENTS

31’ – CHANCE GENOA! After forcing a cheap corner out of Kean, Destro wins the header in front of goal but guides it over the bar. The best chance so far for the hosts.

45’+1 – PORTANOVA STRIKES FROM RANGE! And Szczesny beats it away! That was a great effort from the winger against his former club. The Juventus goalkeeper has been called into action a few times in the last couple minutes after a quiet half.

48’ – GOAL! GENOA 0-1 JUVENTUS (DYBALA): And what a strike it is! He finds the bottom corner from roughly 25 yards out. That’s his ninth goal against Genoa.

87’ – GOAL! GENOA 1-1 JUVENTUS (GUDMUNDSSON): His first for Genoa and what a time to get it! A cool finish gives Szczesny no chance!

90’+6 – GOAL! GENOA 2-1 JUVENTUS (CRISCITO): Incredible scenes! A huge moment for Genoa! Criscito buries the penalty in the bottom left corner.

KEY STAT

  • 115 – Paulo Dybala scored his 115th goal for Juventus, equalling Roberto Baggio (9th place each in the all time Bianconeri scorers ranking). (Opta).

Serie A

Bonucci nets double as Juventus edge out Venezia

01/05/2022 AT 10:08

Football

Mino Raiola dies aged 54

30/04/2022 AT 14:35

Lautaro nets twice as Inter rally from two behind to beat Empoli and move top of Serie A

May 6, 2022

Lautaro Martinez’s brace got Inter Milan back from a two-goal deficit to defeat Empoli 4-2 and keep their Serie A title hopes alive.

Inter, who lost control of the title race by losing to Bologna nine days ago, fell two goals behind to strikes from Andrea Pinamonti after five minutes and Kristjan Asllani just before the half-hour mark.

However, an own goal from Simone Romagnoli five minutes before the break gave them a lifeline and Lautaro crashed home Hakan Calhanoglu’s pull-back to get them even before the break after an incredible first half.

Serie A

Inter keep their Scudetto dream alive with Udinese win

01/05/2022 AT 15:54

There only looked like being one winner after that point, though it took nearly 20 minutes before Lautaro, with another crashing finish, gave them the crucial lead.

The home side kept pouring forward and after a host of chances were squandered, before Alexis Sanchez turned home Edin Dzeko’s cross in injury time to seal the win.

Inter are now a point clear of AC Milan, having played a game more, with their city rivals set to play at Verona on Sunday.

TALKING POINT – Inter stared into the abyss but fight on

You can look at it two ways. How could Inter go two goals down to a side in mid-table – especially having lost to Bologna recently? And there is the suspicion that if they had not been gifted a goal from Romagnoli – and a questionable disallowed goal – the tough night might have extended deep into the second half at least. But when they needed them most, their key men took control and turned the game back in their favour. Their co-tenants remain the favourites and even a draw at Verona would leave them in control with two games remaining due to their head-to-head advantage over Inter. But Inter live to fight another day and it certainly looked like this might not be the case a third of the way into this match.

MAN OF THE MATCH – Ivan Perisic (Inter)

It would have been easy to give the award to Lautaro Martinez whose two efforts which won the game were sublime. But if there was one Inter player who showed his best form throughout the game, even in that difficult first half-hour, it was Perisic who did not stop tormenting the right-hand side of the Empoli defence for the whole game and his cross led to the own goal which brought the hosts back into the game. There might not be a better deliverer of a ball from that flank in world football. If his team-mates had been on form Inter could have doubled their score.

PLAYER RATINGS

Inter: Handanovic 6; Skriniar 6, De Vrij 6, Dimarco 7; Dumfries 7, Barella 7, Brozovic 6, Calhanoglu 8, Perisic 9*; Lautaro Martinez 8, Correa 6.

Subs: Dzeko 7, Vidal 6, D’Ambrosio 6, Darmian 6, Sanchez 6.

Empoli: Vicario 7; Fiamozzi 5 Romagnoli 6, Luperto 6, Parisi 5; Zurkowski 7, Stulac 6, Bandinelli 6; Asllani 6, Bajrami 6, Pinamonti 7.

Subs: Henderson 6, Di Francesco 6, Cutrone 6, Ismajli 6, Benassi 6.

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

5′ GOAL FOR EMPOLI! What a fantastic start! It was a fantastic run down the right flank from Zurkowski and his low cross behind the defence was met on the stretch from Pinamonti.

10′ GOAL – NO! It looked like Inter were two down but Zukowski’s goal was disallowed for an offside against Pinamonti. He slotted the ball home superbly.

23′ PENALTY FOR INTER! It looked like Parisi got the ball when Barella went down. Now the referee is looking at the video screen. It’s been over-ruled, no penalty.

28′ GOAL FOR EMPOLI! Amazing! A long ball over the top was brilliantly controlled by Asllani who directed the ball wide of Handanovic and then slid the ball under him for his first Serie A goal.

40′ GOAL FOR INTER! An own goal from Romagnoli and maybe that is what they needed to get back into the game. Dimarco slid a low cross behind the defence and with a desperate lunge the defender shinned the ball into the net.

45′ GOAL FOR INTER! Crisis over? Well, they will at least go in level. Lautaro slammed the ball home with the outside of his right boot after Calhanoglu pulled the ball back from the left by-line.

64′ GOAL FOR INTER! It was coming. Another period of pinball in the Empoli box led to the ball being hit in the direction of Lautaro and he lashed home a low effort which even Vicario didn’t have a chance to stop.

90+2′ OFF THE POST! A fine run from Dzeko skipping past a diving challenge before hitting a shot which had Vicario beaten but came back off the post.

90+4′ GOAL FOR INTER! Finally Inter get a fourth and it is from Sanchez who was all alone at the far post after Dzeko pulled the ball across from the left-hand side of the six-yard box.

KEY STAT

Serie A

Inter suffer title blow as Arnautovic and Sansone seal Bologna win

27/04/2022 AT 17:21

Serie A

Empoli score three late goals in seven minutes to stun Napoli

24/04/2022 AT 12:04

Lautaro nets twice as Inter rally from two behind to beat Empoli and move top of Serie A

May 6, 2022

Lautaro Martinez’s brace got Inter Milan back from a two-goal deficit to defeat Empoli 4-2 and keep their Serie A title hopes alive.

Inter, who lost control of the title race by losing to Bologna nine days ago, fell two goals behind to strikes from Andrea Pinamonti after five minutes and Kristjan Asllani just before the half-hour mark.

However, an own goal from Simone Romagnoli five minutes before the break gave them a lifeline and Lautaro crashed home Hakan Calhanoglu’s pull-back to get them even before the break after an incredible first half.

Serie A

Inter keep their Scudetto dream alive with Udinese win

01/05/2022 AT 15:54

There only looked like being one winner after that point, though it took nearly 20 minutes before Lautaro, with another crashing finish, gave them the crucial lead.

The home side kept pouring forward and after a host of chances were squandered, before Alexis Sanchez turned home Edin Dzeko’s cross in injury time to seal the win.

Inter are now a point clear of AC Milan, having played a game more, with their city rivals set to play at Verona on Sunday.

TALKING POINT – Inter stared into the abyss but fight on

You can look at it two ways. How could Inter go two goals down to a side in mid-table – especially having lost to Bologna recently? And there is the suspicion that if they had not been gifted a goal from Romagnoli – and a questionable disallowed goal – the tough night might have extended deep into the second half at least. But when they needed them most, their key men took control and turned the game back in their favour. Their co-tenants remain the favourites and even a draw at Verona would leave them in control with two games remaining due to their head-to-head advantage over Inter. But Inter live to fight another day and it certainly looked like this might not be the case a third of the way into this match.

MAN OF THE MATCH – Ivan Perisic (Inter)

It would have been easy to give the award to Lautaro Martinez whose two efforts which won the game were sublime. But if there was one Inter player who showed his best form throughout the game, even in that difficult first half-hour, it was Perisic who did not stop tormenting the right-hand side of the Empoli defence for the whole game and his cross led to the own goal which brought the hosts back into the game. There might not be a better deliverer of a ball from that flank in world football. If his team-mates had been on form Inter could have doubled their score.

PLAYER RATINGS

Inter: Handanovic 6; Skriniar 6, De Vrij 6, Dimarco 7; Dumfries 7, Barella 7, Brozovic 6, Calhanoglu 8, Perisic 9*; Lautaro Martinez 8, Correa 6.

Subs: Dzeko 7, Vidal 6, D’Ambrosio 6, Darmian 6, Sanchez 6.

Empoli: Vicario 7; Fiamozzi 5 Romagnoli 6, Luperto 6, Parisi 5; Zurkowski 7, Stulac 6, Bandinelli 6; Asllani 6, Bajrami 6, Pinamonti 7.

Subs: Henderson 6, Di Francesco 6, Cutrone 6, Ismajli 6, Benassi 6.

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

5′ GOAL FOR EMPOLI! What a fantastic start! It was a fantastic run down the right flank from Zurkowski and his low cross behind the defence was met on the stretch from Pinamonti.

10′ GOAL – NO! It looked like Inter were two down but Zukowski’s goal was disallowed for an offside against Pinamonti. He slotted the ball home superbly.

23′ PENALTY FOR INTER! It looked like Parisi got the ball when Barella went down. Now the referee is looking at the video screen. It’s been over-ruled, no penalty.

28′ GOAL FOR EMPOLI! Amazing! A long ball over the top was brilliantly controlled by Asllani who directed the ball wide of Handanovic and then slid the ball under him for his first Serie A goal.

40′ GOAL FOR INTER! An own goal from Romagnoli and maybe that is what they needed to get back into the game. Dimarco slid a low cross behind the defence and with a desperate lunge the defender shinned the ball into the net.

45′ GOAL FOR INTER! Crisis over? Well, they will at least go in level. Lautaro slammed the ball home with the outside of his right boot after Calhanoglu pulled the ball back from the left by-line.

64′ GOAL FOR INTER! It was coming. Another period of pinball in the Empoli box led to the ball being hit in the direction of Lautaro and he lashed home a low effort which even Vicario didn’t have a chance to stop.

90+2′ OFF THE POST! A fine run from Dzeko skipping past a diving challenge before hitting a shot which had Vicario beaten but came back off the post.

90+4′ GOAL FOR INTER! Finally Inter get a fourth and it is from Sanchez who was all alone at the far post after Dzeko pulled the ball across from the left-hand side of the six-yard box.

KEY STAT

Serie A

Inter suffer title blow as Arnautovic and Sansone seal Bologna win

27/04/2022 AT 17:21

Serie A

Empoli score three late goals in seven minutes to stun Napoli

24/04/2022 AT 12:04

Lautaro nets twice as Inter rally from two behind to beat Empoli and move top of Serie A

May 6, 2022

Lautaro Martinez’s brace got Inter Milan back from a two-goal deficit to defeat Empoli 4-2 and keep their Serie A title hopes alive.

Inter, who lost control of the title race by losing to Bologna nine days ago, fell two goals behind to strikes from Andrea Pinamonti after five minutes and Kristjan Asllani just before the half-hour mark.

However, an own goal from Simone Romagnoli five minutes before the break gave them a lifeline and Lautaro crashed home Hakan Calhanoglu’s pull-back to get them even before the break after an incredible first half.

Serie A

Inter keep their Scudetto dream alive with Udinese win

01/05/2022 AT 15:54

There only looked like being one winner after that point, though it took nearly 20 minutes before Lautaro, with another crashing finish, gave them the crucial lead.

The home side kept pouring forward and after a host of chances were squandered, before Alexis Sanchez turned home Edin Dzeko’s cross in injury time to seal the win.

Inter are now a point clear of AC Milan, having played a game more, with their city rivals set to play at Verona on Sunday.

TALKING POINT – Inter stared into the abyss but fight on

You can look at it two ways. How could Inter go two goals down to a side in mid-table – especially having lost to Bologna recently? And there is the suspicion that if they had not been gifted a goal from Romagnoli – and a questionable disallowed goal – the tough night might have extended deep into the second half at least. But when they needed them most, their key men took control and turned the game back in their favour. Their co-tenants remain the favourites and even a draw at Verona would leave them in control with two games remaining due to their head-to-head advantage over Inter. But Inter live to fight another day and it certainly looked like this might not be the case a third of the way into this match.

MAN OF THE MATCH – Ivan Perisic (Inter)

It would have been easy to give the award to Lautaro Martinez whose two efforts which won the game were sublime. But if there was one Inter player who showed his best form throughout the game, even in that difficult first half-hour, it was Perisic who did not stop tormenting the right-hand side of the Empoli defence for the whole game and his cross led to the own goal which brought the hosts back into the game. There might not be a better deliverer of a ball from that flank in world football. If his team-mates had been on form Inter could have doubled their score.

PLAYER RATINGS

Inter: Handanovic 6; Skriniar 6, De Vrij 6, Dimarco 7; Dumfries 7, Barella 7, Brozovic 6, Calhanoglu 8, Perisic 9*; Lautaro Martinez 8, Correa 6.

Subs: Dzeko 7, Vidal 6, D’Ambrosio 6, Darmian 6, Sanchez 6.

Empoli: Vicario 7; Fiamozzi 5 Romagnoli 6, Luperto 6, Parisi 5; Zurkowski 7, Stulac 6, Bandinelli 6; Asllani 6, Bajrami 6, Pinamonti 7.

Subs: Henderson 6, Di Francesco 6, Cutrone 6, Ismajli 6, Benassi 6.

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

5′ GOAL FOR EMPOLI! What a fantastic start! It was a fantastic run down the right flank from Zurkowski and his low cross behind the defence was met on the stretch from Pinamonti.

10′ GOAL – NO! It looked like Inter were two down but Zukowski’s goal was disallowed for an offside against Pinamonti. He slotted the ball home superbly.

23′ PENALTY FOR INTER! It looked like Parisi got the ball when Barella went down. Now the referee is looking at the video screen. It’s been over-ruled, no penalty.

28′ GOAL FOR EMPOLI! Amazing! A long ball over the top was brilliantly controlled by Asllani who directed the ball wide of Handanovic and then slid the ball under him for his first Serie A goal.

40′ GOAL FOR INTER! An own goal from Romagnoli and maybe that is what they needed to get back into the game. Dimarco slid a low cross behind the defence and with a desperate lunge the defender shinned the ball into the net.

45′ GOAL FOR INTER! Crisis over? Well, they will at least go in level. Lautaro slammed the ball home with the outside of his right boot after Calhanoglu pulled the ball back from the left by-line.

64′ GOAL FOR INTER! It was coming. Another period of pinball in the Empoli box led to the ball being hit in the direction of Lautaro and he lashed home a low effort which even Vicario didn’t have a chance to stop.

90+2′ OFF THE POST! A fine run from Dzeko skipping past a diving challenge before hitting a shot which had Vicario beaten but came back off the post.

90+4′ GOAL FOR INTER! Finally Inter get a fourth and it is from Sanchez who was all alone at the far post after Dzeko pulled the ball across from the left-hand side of the six-yard box.

KEY STAT

Serie A

Inter suffer title blow as Arnautovic and Sansone seal Bologna win

27/04/2022 AT 17:21

Serie A

Empoli score three late goals in seven minutes to stun Napoli

24/04/2022 AT 12:04

Hamsik: ‘Insigne and I have a similar story at Napoli’

May 6, 2022

Napoli legend Marek Hamsik sees similarities between his and Lorenzo Insigne’s farewell to the club and confirms he snubbed moves to Juventus, Milan and Inter.

Hamsik left Napoli in February 2019 after becoming the player with the most appearances and goals across all competitions. His contract at the club would have expired in 2020.

“It was a huge love story. I have many friends at the club. I talk to Aurelio De Laurentiis when I can, who has always shown me his affection. I am in touch with Maurizio Micheli, Napoli’s chief scout. I owe him a lot. He is the one who brought me to Italy [at Brescia] for the first time,” he told Il Corriere dello Sport.

Hamsik didn’t have a proper farewell game before leaving the club and sees similarities between his farewell and Lorenzo Insigne’s. The Italy international will join Toronto as a free agent in June.

“Lorenzo’s history is very similar to mine. Everything happened very quickly, the season was ongoing when I left,” said Hamsik.

“However, it’s never too late to meet again, perhaps we could organise a game at the San Paolo [Stadio Maradona now]. If they want me to return with a role at the club after the end of my career, I’d be ready.

“I didn’t forget anything. The Coppa Italia, the Supercups, emotions, memories. A Serie A title would have been deserved, we were really close.”

Massimiliano Allegri wanted to sign Hamsik at Milan and Juventus, while Walter Mazzarri tried to bring him to Inter, but Hamsik never thought about leaving Naples.

“Now I can say that I was proud to attract interest from an important coach such as Allegri,” he said.

“I never talked to him directly, but I know he considered me worthy of playing with him and that he would be pleased [to have me in his teams].”

“Inter? I can’t deny it, but I never thought about leaving Napoli. I could have never done it.”

Hamsik