Determined and irresistible Inter beat SPAL 4 - 0

FERRARA – From one wing to the other. In football, space is crucial. The questions of how and when to move into space, and how effectively it is used, often determine the success of a team’s game plan. In Ferrara, Inter covered every blade of grass at the Paolo Mazza: the Nerazzurri were well-organised on the pitch, played with a great deal of width, and every outfield player pitched in with supporting runs in attack. And Conte's men came out with a well-earned, convincing victory. A clean sheet, a 4-0 victory thanks to goals from Candreva in the first half and Biraghi, Sanchez and Gagliardini in the second.

Victory over Torino had put the Nerazzurri back on track, at full throttle, unwavering in the pursuit of their goal, without hesitations or setbacks. In a climate where teams are always looking to improve, the primary goal in Ferrara was not to concede, not to have to battle back from behind. 

SPAL were pinned back in defence, with the spectre of relegation looming large. But Inter were determined not to grant their opposition any space, and not to give a team in desperate need of points any courage. Conte’s side had a clear game plan: move the ball and get stuck into the build-up play in attack. And that meant sending plenty of men into the hosts’ half. There was a clear sign of Inter’s methodical consistency five minutes in, with Brozovic’s long-range effort with his left hitting the post. The Nerazzurri took turns in taking the initiative in attack, making forays or striking the opposition right in their heart. 

The opener after 37 minutes set the tone for the rest of the match, in what was a manifesto for Conte’s game plan: a move starting on the left flank, with the strikers involved in the move but not finishing it. The ball arrived at Sanchez’s feet, with his back to the goal, and the Chilean did brilliantly to pick out Candreva in acres of space on the right wing, making it 1-0. Everyone involved, everyone a point of emphasis. 

The same goes for Inter’s performance in the second half, with beautiful football seemingly coming naturally to Conte’s side, helping them to seal the win with ease. Biraghi played a particularly prominent role. First, he made it 2-0 with a precise right-footed shot from long range. Then, he whipped in a delightful cross from the left flank for Sanchez to nod in. A precious 3-0 lead, which was followed up by a clincher from Gagliardini, who positioned himself perfectly to get on the end of Young’s cross. 

In a match that could have been won by an even larger margin, there are two important achievements to note. The first relates to D’Ambrosio, who came on after the break to make his 200th Inter appearance in all competitions. The second has to do with 18-year-old Lorenzo Pirola, who made his debut in the Nerazzurri shirt. Two further highlights on what was a great evening for Conte’s men, who now sit six points behind Juventus on 71 points.

SPAL 0-4 INTER 

SPAL (4-4-2): 25 Letica; 26 Sala, 23 Vicari (66 Salamon 82'), 41 Bonifazi, 13 Reca (4 Cionek 66'); 11 Murgia (96 Tunjov 82'), 6 Valdifiori, 14 Dabo, 21 Strefezza (77 D'Alessandro 66'); 32 Cerri (31 Di Francesco 74'), 37 Petagna.Substitutes: 22 Thiam, 65 Meneghetti, 7 Missiroli, 10 Floccari, 19 Castro, 27 Felipe, 40 Tomovic.Coach: Luigi Di Biagio.

INTER (3-4-1-2): 1 Handanovic; 37 Skriniar, 13 Ranocchia, 95 Bastoni (33' D'Ambrosio 63'); 87 Candreva (31 Pirola 79'), 77 Brozovic, 5 Gagliardini (20 Borja Valero 74'), 34 Biraghi (15 Young 63'); 24 Eriksen; 7 Sanchez (30 Esposito 79'), 10 Lautaro.Substitutes: 27 Padelli, 46 Berni, 6 de Vrij, 11 Moses, 18 Asamoah, 32 Agoumé.Coach: Antonio Conte.

Goalscorers: 37' Candreva (I), 55' Biraghi (I), 60' Sanchez (I), 73' Gagliardini (I).Bookings: Bastoni (I), Valdifiori (S), Murgia (S), Biraghi (I), Ranocchia (I).Added Time: 1' - 0'.

Referee: Giua.Assistants: Alassio, Gori.Fourth Official: Abbattista.VAR and VAR Assistant: Doveri, Di Iorio.