Inter Milan delivered a commanding performance against Fiorentina, securing a 2-1 victory that perhaps undersells their dominance. With this win, the Nerazzurri remain just one point behind Napoli in the Serie A standings. The goals came from Marin Pongračić’s own goal and Marko Arnautović for Inter, while Rolando Mandragora equalized for Fiorentina from the penalty spot late in the first half.
Pre-Match: Tactical Adjustments and Squad Rotations
Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi made several changes to his starting XI, looking to freshen up the squad after their lackluster display on Thursday. On the other hand, Raffaele Palladino largely stuck with his usual lineup, making just one enforced change—Matías Moreno stepping in for the suspended Pietro Comuzzo. This time, however, Fiorentina had more depth on the bench, giving them additional tactical flexibility.
First Half: A Dominant Inter Start and a Controversial Equalizer
Inter Milan came out flying, immediately putting Fiorentina under intense pressure. Lautaro Martínez narrowly missed with a volley inside the opening minute, setting the tone for what would be a relentless opening spell. The Nerazzurri pinned their opponents deep in their half, hitting the woodwork twice from corners before eventually breaking the deadlock.
The breakthrough arrived in the 28th minute from another corner, albeit in controversial fashion. Federico La Penna’s VAR crew failed to spot that the ball had gone out of play in the buildup, leading to a moment of frustration for Palladino, who received a booking for his protests. Nonetheless, Inter deserved their lead, even if it came through an unfortunate own goal by Marin Pongračić, a strike that Lautaro Martínez initially tried to claim.
Despite Inter’s dominance, Fiorentina managed to push forward sporadically. One of these rare attacks led to a corner, which the visitors executed brilliantly. Rolando Mandragora sent a cross to the back post, where Robin Gosens met it with a header that struck Matteo Darmian’s arm. After reviewing the incident on the monitor, La Penna awarded Fiorentina a penalty—a decision that seemed like a soft but inevitable make-up call.
Mandragora stepped up and confidently converted from the spot in the 44th minute, leveling the match against the run of play. The goal sparked tempers on both sides, leading to a flurry of late challenges and bookings. The first half ended with Fiorentina fortunate to be on equal terms, though the manner of the goals left a bitter taste.
Second Half: Arnautović Restores Inter’s Lead
As expected, Inter emerged from halftime with renewed intensity. The hosts resumed their attacking dominance, and it took just seven minutes for them to reclaim the lead. Carlos Augusto delivered a high, looping cross into the box, and Marko Arnautović rose above the defense to head home from close range in the 52nd minute.
Fiorentina’s defensive lapses were evident, with Luca Ranieri and Pongračić failing to track Arnautović properly, while goalkeeper David de Gea hesitated in claiming the cross. Despite the defensive errors, Inter’s goal was well-deserved given their control of the game.
The Nerazzurri continued to apply pressure, but Fiorentina slowly began to grow into the contest. Palladino introduced Danilo Cataldi, Michael Folorunsho, Nicolò Fagioli, and Nicolò Zaniolo in an attempt to shift the momentum. Fagioli, in particular, made an impact with some incisive passing, but it wasn’t enough to break down Inter’s well-organized defense.
Ultimately, Fiorentina fought hard but couldn’t find an equalizer, falling to a narrow yet deserved defeat.
What’s Next?
The defeat leaves Fiorentina in 6th place with 42 points, just one behind Juventus and three behind Lazio, who currently occupy the final Champions League qualification spot. Their next three fixtures—vs Como, at Hellas Verona, and vs Lecce—are must-win games if they hope to keep pace in the top-four race.
However, their upcoming match against Como could prove tricky, as star striker Moise Kean will be unavailable due to suspension. Palladino will need to be creative with his lineup, possibly turning to Fagioli and Zaniolo for inspiration, while hoping for returns to fitness for Danilo Cataldi and Albert Guðmundsson.
For Inter Milan, this win keeps them firmly in the title race as they continue their pursuit of Napoli at the top of the table.
