Monday night’s Serie A showdown at San Siro delivered drama, controversy, and a nail-biting finish as Inter Milan narrowly defeated Fiorentina 2-1.
The victory reignites Inter’s title chase, closing the gap to league leaders Napoli to just **one point** . Here’s how the action unfolded.
Match Summary:
A Rollercoaster of Emotions**
**1. Early Pressure & Controversial Opener (28’)** Inter dominated from the start, peppering Fiorentina’s goal with shots. The breakthrough came via an **own goal** by Fiorentina defender *Marin Pongračić*, who accidentally headed a corner into his own net. However, the Viola furiously protested, claiming the ball had crossed the line *before* the corner was taken. Replays fueled the debate, but the goal stood, sparking heated exchanges between managers Simone Inzaghi and Raffaele Palladino, both booked for their protests .
**2. Penalty Drama Before Halftime (44’)** Fiorentina clawed back just before halftime when *Matteo Darmian* was penalized for a handball. *Rolando Mandragora* stepped up and coolly converted the penalty, sending goalkeeper Yann Sommer the wrong way. The decision divided fans—Darmian’s arm blocked a goal-bound header, but the contact seemed unintentional .
**3. Arnautovic Steps Up (52’)** The second half saw Inter regain control. Substitute *Marko Arnautovic*, replacing the injured Marcus Thuram early in the game, became the hero. He rose to meet *Carlos Augusto’s* pinpoint cross, powering a header past David de Gea. It was Arnautovic’s **first Serie A goal this season**, capping a gritty performance .
**4. Fiorentina’s Late Surge Falls Short** Fiorentina pushed hard in the final minutes, with *Michael Folorunsho* forcing a last-gasp save from Sommer. But Inter’s defense held firm, securing three crucial points .
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Key Stats & Context
- **Possession**: Inter 62% | Fiorentina 38% - **Shots**: Inter 22 (8 on target) | Fiorentina 7 (2 on target) - **Revenge Served**: Just four days earlier, Fiorentina had beaten Inter 3-0 in a rescheduled match. This win was sweet payback. - **Standings**: Inter (54 pts) trail Napoli (55 pts), while Fiorentina (42 pts) cling to 6th place.
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Why This Game Mattered
Beyond the scoreline, the match highlighted Inter’s resilience. Arnautovic, often criticized this season, silenced doubters with his clutch header. For Fiorentina, the loss stung—especially after their midweek triumph—but they remain in the European qualification hunt .
The game also showcased Serie A’s unpredictability: from disputed refereeing calls to emotional sideline clashes, it had everything fans love about Italian football.
a touch of fortune collided—proof that in Serie A, every minute counts.* ⚽✨