Two weeks before the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Milan showed signs of fragility by conceding a draw against Lazio (2-2). A result which keeps the Nerazzurri one point behind leader Naples, whose title will be decided on the final day.
While PSG enjoyed their 13th title in Ligue 1, the fight remains intense in Serie A. Inter, although favorites, missed a precious opportunity to take control of the championship. Facing a solid Lazio, Simone Inzaghi’s men, still deprived of their striker Lautaro Martinez, lacked precision and paid for their defensive errors.
Yann Sommer, the Swiss goalkeeper, held on for a long time, repelling several Roman chances, including a saving face-to-face in the first period (30th). But behind him, the defense faltered. Despite an unexpected opening score before the break by Yann Aurel Bisseck, on a poorly negotiated corner by Lazio (1-0, 45th+2), Inter never reassured.
The Roman reaction came from Pedro, who equalized by exploiting a poorly controlled rebound (1-1, 72nd). The Milanese briefly thought they were restarting the match thanks to Denzel Dumfries, author of a victorious header from another corner (2-1, 80th). But in the final minutes, Bisseck made a fatal hand in the area. After video verification, Pedro converted the penalty, sealing the final score (2-2).
This match confirms the concerns around Inter, in clear decline with only two victories in the last five matches. Marcus Thuram, expected in attack, disappointed again. A mixed dynamic which does not help the affairs of the Milanese before their European meeting. The Scudetto, which seemed within reach, could elude them… and the Champions League promises to be more complicated than ever.
AZ-EDDINE AALLABOUCH
