MILAN – Inter were held to a 1-1 draw at San Siro on Sunday afternoon as Carpi found a late equaliser to deny the Nerazzurri all three points.

In a hard-fought contest, Rodrigo Palacio gave Inter the lead on 39 minutes after he coolly slotted home a loose ball in the box. It looked as if the home side were heading for another 1-0 win, but Kevin Lasagna finished off a late Carpi break to nick a point for the visitors.

Roberto Mancini began with Perisic and Ljajic on the wings, supporting Palacio and Icardi in attack. Back in defence, Miranda was given a rest after the midweek game in Naples, with Juan Jesus coming in to replace him.

Carpi enjoyed the first attack of the game, Mbakogu steering the ball into the back of the net – but the referee had already halted play for a Mancosu foul on Montoya. Inter soon wrestled back the initiative through Perisic, who twice cut in from the right to fire goalwards on his left foot: first Belec made the stop, then the Croatian’s effort whistled just over the bar. There was further excitement for the San Siro faithful on 14 minutes, Icardi felled in the box by Suagher only for Gervasoni to wave play on.

Mbakogu and then Mancosu called Handanovic into action not long afterwards, but both times the Inter goalie made himself big to make the stop. The home side continued to push for the breakthrough, with Romagnoli having to clear Palacio’s effort off the line to keep the scores level.

With six minutes to go until half-time, Perisic led a quick counter, finding Ljajic on the left. The Serb’s cross was cleared as far as Perisic, whose deflected shot fell to Palacio. The Argentine made no mistake in slotting home the tap-in for 1-0.

The second half began with Miranda taking the place of Telles and Inter switching to a back three. Montoya and Perisic took up the wide positions, freeing up Ljajic to play behind Palacio and Icardi.

Perisic had the first chance of the half, but Belec made another good save to palm behind for a corner. It was Melo’s turn to try his luck next, but against Belec kept the Nerazzurri out.

Carpi came close on 68 minutes, Martinho firing across goal but failing to hit the target. And while the visitors pressed for an equaliser, Inter looked dangerous on the break through Ljajic and Perisic. Nine minutes from time, Belec produced a wonderful double save to deny first Melo’s header and then Palacio’s snap rebound.

Inter seemed to be home and dry a minute later after Pasciuti was given his marching orders for a second bookable offence, but Carpi refused to give up and found an unlikely equaliser in the second minute of stoppage time as Lasagna slid past Handanovic to leave Inter ruing their missed opportunities.

INTER 1-1 CARPI (HT: 0-1)
Scorers: Palacio 39, Lasagna 90+2.

INTER: 1 Handanovic; 14 Montoya (Nagatomo 75), 24 Murillo, 5 Jesus, 12 Telles (Miranda HT); 44 Perisic, 77 Brozovic, 83 Melo, 22 Ljajic; 8 Palacio (Jovetic 83), 9 Icardi.
Subs not used: 30 Carrizo, 7 Kondogbia, 11 Biabiany, 17 Medel, 21 Santon, 23 Ranocchia, 27 Gnoukouri, 33 D'Ambrosio, 97 Manaj.
Coach: Roberto Mancini.

CARPI: 27 Belec; 5 Zaccardo, 21 Romagnoli, 23 Suagher, 19 Pasciuti; 29 Martinho (Di Gaudio 72), 17 Crimi, 8 Bianco, 3 Letizia (Daprelà 60); 25 Mancosu (Lasagna 67), 99 Mbakogu.
Subs not used: 1 Brkic, 2 Sabelli, 7 Matos, 20 Lollo.
Coach: Fabrizio Castori

Booked: Telles 20, Crimi 22, Pasciuti 40, Palacio 62, Daprelà 62, Suagher 78, Jovetic 87.
Sent off: Pasciuti 82.

Added time: 1 + 4 minutes.

Referee: Gervasoni.
Assistants: De Luca, Tasso.
Fourth official: Ranghetti.
Additional assistants: Giacomelli, Abisso.

starting lineups

substitutes