Taremi’s brace, Dimarco’s magic: Las Palmas defeated 3 - 0

It was hot in Cesena as the day came to a close and the sun set behind the Orogel Stadium-Dino Manuzzi. Yet, the atmosphere was vibrant, and there was a strong desire for entertainment: there was a strong desire for Inter. Many fans had travelled to the Romagna city to see the Italian champions back in action. All to see their heroes once again, though they now wore a new kit. Something had changed though. For the first time, the Nerazzurri were wearing the new Home kit for the 2024/25 season, featuring the Tricolore and the Second Star on their chest. On the field, however, Inter stuck to the same formation. In Inzaghi's 3-5-2, the new signings Martinez, Zielinski, and Taremi were present, with Taremi set to be a key player in the match. High pressing, intensity, and a desire to quicken the play, all despite it still being late July.

In the early minutes, Inter made their presence felt through the combination of Carlos Augusto and Mkhitaryan, but the effort didn't trouble the goalkeeper. Mkhitaryan was the crucial playmaker in Inter's game, essential in both phases. Inter pressed and took the lead in on 11'. Bisseck won the ball with a great interception on his own half, drove forward, and passed to Taremi, who was fouled by Herzog in the box. The Iranian converted the penalty with ease to make it 1-0 for Inter. The goal did not change the flow of the game, as Inzaghi's men continued to attack. Mkhitaryan created opportunities, Correa became dangerous with his movements, the wingers pushed down the flanks, and the defenders supported the play.

On 25', Asllani tried a brilliantly taken free kick, but Horkas denied the Albanian, then also prevented a goal from Correa after another fine offensive play by Bisseck. Inter, however, was a well-organized orchestra, performing its best symphony on 38'. Mkhitaryan broke into the box, passed to Fontanarosa, who returned the ball with a back-heel. The Armenian delivered an intelligent pass to the center of the area, where Taremi was waiting. Mehdi scored his second goal with his right foot, making it 2-0. Las Palmas was overwhelmed by Inter’s fluid play, and the Spaniards struggled to get out of their half.

The second half began with a different tempo. The heat and the preseason workload took their toll. Las Palmas made 10 substitutions in an attempt to counteract Inter's pressure. The Spaniards tried to make their mark. A great chance came when Gonzalez hit the post from a good position after capitalizing on a mistake by Martinez (58'). Five minutes later, Simone Inzaghi made the first six substitutions for Inter: Acerbi, Barella, Bastoni, Darmian, Dimarco, and Frattesi entered, all making their first appearance of the preseason. These minutes were important for the six Italian players, who joined their teammates after arriving during the week. Their entry revitalised the match. on 73' Bastoni made a long pass to Frattesi, who found himself one-on-one with Cillessen, however, the Dutch goalkeeper made an excellent save to deny him. Eight minutes later, Frattesi assisted Mkhitaryan in the centre of the box, but the Armenian was inaccurate and missed the chance to make it 3-0. There was also a moment of glory for Martinez on 84' who made a superb save by tipping Gonzalez’s shot over the bar. The match was sealed by Dimarco's gem. The winger made a run through the centre of the pitch, spotted Cillessen off his line, and beat him with a delicate left-footed lob from long distance. A beautiful goal, a shooting star that arrived with the final descent of darkness over the Orogel Stadium. The curtain fell, ending with a fine Inter performance that won 3-0 and delighted the many fans who had come to Cesena.

INTER 3-0 LAS PALMAS | THE SUMMARY

Goals: 11' pen. and 38' Taremi (I), 85' Dimarco (I).

INTER (3-5-2): 13 Martinez (12 Di Gennaro 87'); 31 Bisseck (50 Aidoo 82'), 42 Agoumé (15 Acerbi 63'), 47 Fontanarosa (95 Bastoni 63'); 54 Kamate (36 Darmian 63'), 7 Zielinski (23 Barella 63'), 21 Asllani (52 Berenbruch 82'), 22 Mkhitaryan (24 Salcedo 82'), 30 Carlos Augusto (32 Dimarco 63'); 99 Taremi (57 Quieto 87'), 11 Correa (16 Frattesi 63'). Unused sub: 51 Alexiou. Coach: Simone Inzaghi.

LAS PALMAS (4-2-3-1): 25 Horkas (1 Cillessen 46'); 27 Rozada (2 Marvin 46'), 3 Marmol (15 Clemente 60'), 28 Herzog (4 Suarez 46'), 18 Sinkgraven (11 B. Ramirez 46'); 12 Loiodice (6 Gonzalez), 20 Rodriguez (5 Javi Munoz 46'); 9 Cardona (7 Pejino 46' (26 Bassinga 78')), 10 Moleiro (21 Gil 46'), 14 Fuster (19 S. Ramirez 46'); 16 Mata (24 Cedric 46'). Unused subs: 8 Campana, 23 Alex Munoz, 29 McBurnie. Coach: Luis Carrion.

Referee: Juan Luca Sacchi. Assistants: Pagliardini, Trasciatti.