Another home victory for the unstoppable Nerazzurri: Inter beat Roma 3 - 1

MILAN - Some nights in Milan unfold in magnificent technicolour. Such have been the colours of the Spring evenings that have confirmed this season’s Scudetto; this evening, the blue skies above San Siro were covered by dark clouds ahead of kick-off. Above the green of the pitch, blue turned to dark blue – then to black. However, it did not rain, and the pitch was illuminated by a new light: that of the I M Special Jersey, bearing the new club emblem and worn by Inter this evening for the first time in an official match. On it, black mixes with blue, yellow and white to give an unusual, yet fascinating sparkle to the appearance of the Inter players.

And, yes, there was still a match to be played, one not to be underestimated either, and one to be valued for its true significance: Inter vs. Roma is a game that had crucial importance for the visitors, aiming to give themselves something to fight for in the final few games. But Conte’s Inter were brilliant, showing a lethal combination of clear mind and strong body. Inter appeared galvanised by everything surrounding this exceptional season, playing the game at the highest of tempos. And so it finished 3-1, with Brozovic, Vecino and Lukaku getting on the scoresheet for the Nerazzurri. Going forward, they raided the gaps left open by Roma, while they also showed an incredible desire not to give anything up at the back: Andrea Ranocchia put in a top-notch performance in which he seemed almost invincible, especially with one, goal-saving intervention at 2-1. 

Conte made seven changes from the win over Sampdoria, with Radu given the nod between the sticks and Ranocchia handed the captain’s armband. Vecino returned in the middle, with Sanchez partnering Lukaku up front. Roma’s tactics, holding a high defensive line, invited Inter to break at will into the spaces. They did so not only through direct balls forward, but also their usual fantastic, flowing team moves. This Inter side is like an artist: San Siro is the frame, the canvas is the grass and the design is futuristic - just like the lines on the new, Nerazzurri jersey. The ball, starting at Radu’s feet, made its way, 24 successive passes later, to Brozovic. The hosts, not letting Roma get near the ball, spread the play from left to right, with Darmain then cutting the ball back for Brozovic, who finished with aplomb: a precise, right-footed strike. 

It was a beautiful goal that only served to stretch Roma further. Vecino was heavily involved, finding space and cutting Roma in half. On 16 minutes, this was evidenced by his one-two with Lukaku. On 20 minutes, it led to a goal; more precise play between Vecino and Lukaku, who protected the ball before laying it off for his Uruguayan team-mate to finish. Inter’s dominance had been rewarded: 2-0.

Driven by pride, Roma, however, got back into the match thanks to two of their standout players: Dzeko turned and played in Mkhitaryan, who fired past Radu. Nevertheless, it wasn’t a goal that truly shifted the momentum because Inter didn’t let it affect them and continued to work diligently. Vecino was once again involved in the 34th minute, when he was denied by Fuzato following Sanchez’s stupendous back-heel. Unfortunately, it was the last move that the Chilean took part in: he was replaced by Lautaro after picking up a knock.

The Nerazzurri’s tempo dropped after the restart: it was impossible to continue in the same aggressive fashion. As for Roma, they increasingly posed a threat, with Dzeko being their main target up front. And the Bosnian came inches away to scoring with 56 minutes on the clock, when his left-footed effort hit the woodwork. However, in general, Inter were dealing with Roma’s attacking play well. This was in no small part thanks to the work done by Ranocchia, Skriniar and D'Ambrosio, all of whom never gave up and constantly put their bodies on the line. Then, there was Radu, who was an assured presence in goal.

When Hakimi came on, Inter had an extra weapon, one with unparalleled speed. As usual, the Moroccan was full of running, and he was the first Nerazzurri man to have an effort at Fuzato’s goal in the second half. In general, his presence allowed Inter to start driving back a Giallorossi side that had forced Conte’s men into a lot of defending. However, the Nerazzurri stood firm and sealed the win in the 90th minute, when Barella helped the ball on for Hakimi, who stormed forward and set Lukaku up for the team’s third.

Another victory for this unstoppable Inter side and their 15th consecutive win at home. Milan isn’t the only place with a black and blue tinge. Indeed, it can be found across Italy.  

MATCH SUMMARY

INTER (3-5-2): 97 Radu; 33 D'Ambrosio, 13 Ranocchia, 37 Skriniar; 36 Darmian (15 Young 77'), 8 Vecino (12 Sensi 60'), 77 Brozovic, 23 Barella, 14 Perisic (2 Hakimi 60'); 9 Lukaku, 7 Sanchez (10 Lautaro 35'; 99 Pinamonti 77').Substitutes: 1 Handanovic, 27 Padelli, 5 Gagliardini, 6 de Vrij, 24 Eriksen, 95 Bastoni, . Coach: Antonio Conte.

ROMA (4-2-3-1): 87 Fuzato; 2 Karsdorp (33 Bruno Peres 88'), 23 Mancini, 24 Kumbulla, 18 Santon; 4 Cristante (14 Villar 77'), 55 Darboe; 11 Pedro (92 El Shaarawy 46'), 7 Pellegrini, 77 Mkhitaryan; 9  Dzeko.Substitutes: 12 Farelli, 83 Mirante, 3 Ibanez, 5 Juan Jesus, , 19 Reynolds, 21 Mayoral, 27 Pastore, 31 Carles Perez, 59 Zalewski. Coach: Paulo Fonseca.

Goalscorers: 11' Brozovic (I), 20' Vecino (I), 31' Mkhitaryan (R), 90' Lukaku (I)Bookings: Darboe (R), Santon (R), Kumbulla (R), Karsdorp (R)Added time: 2' - 3'.

Referee: Chiffi.Assistants: Imperiale, Bresmes.Fourth official: Prontera.VAR: PairettoVAR Assistant: Di Iorio.