Inter played Lazio in an away game that had so much on the line. Besides the obvious attempt at a Champions League qualification there was so much riding on a victory in this game which is why they were able to accomplish the season long goal they were so heavily striving for. Joao Cancelo and Rafinha basically played as if it was their last game which is kind of true because had Inter lost, due to the lack of revenue without the Champions league, keeping one let alone both of them would’ve been very difficult. Also, in regards to personal achievements, Serie A fans saw Icardi and Immobile go head to head for the title of top goal scorer in Serie A.
Inter lined up in their usual 4-2-3-1 besides Vecino who slotted into Gagliardini’s spot next Brozovic while the rest remained the same. For roughly the first ten minutes Inter seemed tp have come out to truly dominate until an unfortunate own goal off of Perisic’s face. The problem with this goal (deflection aside) was that Lazio was allowed so much space for nearly the entire first half. The Lazio players won nearly every single long ball which is why they were so dominant in the first half.
The second problem that led to Lazio’s second goal was that they let Lazio play through the middle way to easily. Lazio was constantly looking to deliver a strong message by repeatedly looking for the jugular pass that would put Inter away. The problem with Inter was that they were playing way to stretched out which is what led to the second goal. Instead of playing condensed and tight together to force Lazio on the outside. This allowed class midfielders like Leiva and Milinkovic-Savic to completely exploit the lack of mid field presence until further adjustments were to be made to shut down the middle and force small 2 on 2’s on the outside with Candreva and Cancelo on one side and Perisic and D’Ambrosio.
Two of Inters goals came from complete grit and hard work. There was no fantastic beautiful plays, the first goal came from the scuffle off the corner kick which saw D’Ambrosio convert his back post run. The second goal was Icardi’s penalty shot which came off a clear foul on Icardi after another previously cancelled penalty call credited to VAR. The third goal should be fully credited as a complete personality goal which truly showed who wanted it more in a situation where Inter is one of the best in Europe at; aerial goals.
In conclusion, Inter may not be considered Champions but after such a hungry performance like today, it can be argued that they won over the hearts and support of each and every fan by qualifying for the Champions League which evidently makes them champions in the hearts of every single Interisti. Our Champions have completed their journey and are onto the Champions League.
