Darmian stuns Cagliari, Inter win 1 - 0 at San Siro

MILAN - Just look at it, that team hug. Look at Antonio Conte kissing Achraf Hakimi. Look at the joy on Matteo Darmian’s face as he slid across the slick surface of the San Siro pitch. That was a true display of the strength that binds this group. They stick together like glue, even when there are the most obstinate of walls to be broken down. We all know that football is strange. Against Sassuolo, Inter scored twice from two shots on target. Against Cagliari, Vicario thwarted the Nerazzurri on numerous occasions on his Serie A debut. Inter took 15 shots, seven of which were on target but it was a tap in after what almost appeared like a rugby scrum that sealed all three points for the Nerazzurri. Lukaku to Hakimi to Darmian, goal. Inter did go sleep a little bit towards the end but they held firm for their eleventh consecutive victory. 74 points now, eleven clear at the top.

Inter were without the suspended Nicolò Barella for the first time this season and made a few changes to the side following the victory over Sassuolo in midweek. Bastoni and Brozovic returned to the starting line-up, Darmian started down the right, Sensi was deployed in the centre of the park while Sanchez partnered Lukaku up front. It was a day for the goalies: Handanovic equalled Ivano Bordon on the all-time Inter appearance list, while Vicario marked his Cagliari debut with a splendid performance.

The Nerazzurri had near total control of the ball as the midfield trio of Brozovic, Sensi and Eriksen kept things ticking over, while Sanchez created the space going forward. Inter’s waves of forward movements often crashed against a wall created by Semplici’s men, who sat deep in two banks of players and looked to shut down any space that might appear. Upping the tempo and getting everybody involved was the key to unlock such a packed defence. Long-range efforts became a useful weapon too; Eriksen thought he had scored with a wonderful right-footed strike but Vicario pulled off a stunning stop to deny the Dane.

Creating space, we were saying: Sanchez found the net, but was offside. Sensi and Sanchez were going for it from the same angle, on the edge of the box, shooting with stubbornness and great determination. Cagliari were organised and tried to lean on Pavoletti to lighten the burden, relying on long-range shots from Nainggolan to try and sting Inter, just like last season at San Siro. In the 40th minute came the umpteenth chance for Inter: Sanchez broke free and played in Darmian but his left-footer from inside the box was denied by a great save from Vicario.

This Cagliari side were tough: when you’re in the relegation zone those points are like gold dust, and the Sardinian side’s desperate attempts at goal made it even more difficult for Inter. The hosts were on the edge of their seats with every save made by Vicario, in what became for all intents and purposes a drawn-out duel, a one-on-one between the Nerazzurri and Cagliari’s keeper. His saves went forth and multiplied. Inter didn’t find any openings and tried their hand at long-range shots: Sensi, Eriksen and Lukaku all had a go, and all were blocked by the keeper’s gloves.

The goal, the liberation and the joy all arrived in the 77th minute. The Nerazzurri obstinacy wasn’t thrown off course, either: it was a classic phase of play, birthed by teamwork. Lukaku skipped past his marker and played Hakimi through who was fresh and energetic, onto his right. He went deeper, and Darmian broke through into the centre, played onto his left just as the Moroccan fed him through. His left foot sent the ball into the air and it buried itself in the back of the net, melting the lump that was in the back of Inter’s throat for far too long.

Joy and hugs, and then another struggle. Because Cagliari raised their game, for the first time. They rampaged forwards, putting the ball in the air for their aerial threats. Another game began, composed of headers and breaks and rebounds. Gagliardini, Vecino and D’Ambrosio’s fresh legs boosted the team and Lukaku secured the final play. That makes 11 consecutive victories and an 11 point lead.

INTER 1-0 CAGLIARI

INTER (3-5-2): 1 Handanovic; 37 Skriniar, 6 de Vrij, 95 Bastoni; 36 Darmian (33 D'Ambrosio 84'),  24 Eriksen (5 Gagliardini 81'), 77 Brozovic, 12 Sensi (8 Vecino 81'), 15 Young (2 Hakimi 70'); 9 Lukaku, 7 Sanchez (10 Lautaro 70').Subs: 27 Padelli, 97 Radu, 13 Ranocchia, 14 Perisic, 99 Pinamonti.Coach: Antonio Conte.

CAGLIARI (3-5-2): 31 Vicario; 24 Rugani (9 Simeone 84'), 2 Godin, 44 Carboni; 25 Zappa (27 Cerri 91'), 8 Marin, 4 Nainggolan, 32 Duncan (19 Asamoah 72'), 18 Nandez; 30 Pavoletti (20 Pereiro 91'), 10 Joao Pedro.Subs: 1 Aresti, 34 Ciocci, 3 Tripaldelli, 15 Klavan,16 Calabresi, 22 Lykogiannis, 40 Walukiewicz. Coach: Leonardo Semplici.

Goalscorers: 77' Darmian (I)Bookings: Brozovic (I), Nainggolan (C)Added time: 0' - 3'.

Referee: Pairetto.Linesmen: Valeriani, Imperiale.Fourth Official: Massimi.VAR: Massa.Assistant VAR: Lo Cicero.