Redemption was somewhat made after Inter’s three match loosing run. The Nerazzurri went into the match against Palermo in dismal form after losing against Torino, Sassuolo, and Napoli. Palermo went into the match on the back of a three game unbeaten streak. All eyes were on the duel between the two Argentine strikers Paolo Dybala and Mauro Icardi. Both of the 21 year olds went into the match having scored 11 leagues goals so far this season. Mancini handed Marcelo Brozovic his first Serie A start as Lukas Podolski was dropped to the bench. Icardi started up top with Xherdan Shaqiri and Rodrigo Palacio making up the attacking support. This game had all the ingredients for a thriller.
Inter started the match looking hungry and determined to make up for the recent results. The Nerazzurri moved the ball well in the first half and created the first chance of the game on 6 minutes, when Juan met Shaqiri’s freekick, but Sorrentino did excellently to parry the Brazilians header. Palermo then had a chance when Dybala’s freekick flied over Handanovic’s goal after 14 minutes. The breakthrough came on 15 minutes when Guarin met Shaqiri’s corner and steered his header past Sorrentino. The Colombian made up for his woeful attempt a minute earlier. Marcelo Brozovic was fantastic in the first half and took many neat touches and completed many dribbles. Palermo had a golden opportunity when Dybala cut inside Santon and crossed for Rigoni. Luckily for Inter, the Italian’s effort hit the side netting. Dybala was the most dangerous player in the first half and he caused Nagatomo problems. Inter were then forced into an early substitution when Nagatomo suffered a hamstring injury. The Japanese international was replaced by Dodo. After Dodo’s introduction, the Argentine’s presence became muted in the first half. The last chance in the first half fell to Palacio on 35 minutes. Brozovic whipped in an excellent cross for the Argentine, but Palacio’s header from the penalty spot was wide of the goal. The first half ended 1-0 for Inter.
In the first half, it seemed to be all going well for Inter. The ball movement was good, and there was a goal to show for the Nerazzurri’s dominance. Palermo should have equalized in the 51st minute when Samir Handanovic dove out of his goal to save Dybala’s attempt from 5 yards out. Vasquez then hit the post from 18 yards following Handanovic’s save. The ball made its way to Dybala, and somehow the Argentine skied his effort over the goal from a tough angle. Inter almost scored a fantastic goal when Guarin’s long ball met Icardi’s head on 57 minutes. Sorrentino parried the Argentine’s attempt off the post and out for a corner. Inter kept possession well, and in the 64th minute, Guarin’s cross was flicked on by Palacio, and Icardi fired home after taking a touch to control the ball. The goal was certainly coming. Icardi looked lively and more energetic in the second half. The match quieted down a lot after Icardi’s goal. Palermo lost belief and Inter were happy to knock the ball around the back line. Medel was phenomenal in the middle of the park and help Inter maintain possession throughout the whole 90 minutes. Icardi treated himself to a brace when he met Guarin’s cross on 88 minutes. The Argentine’s header was too powerful for Sorrentino to keep out.
It seems as if Inter have bounced back from the negative recent results. Brozovic was the most impressive player against Palermo. Ausilio has made a steal in the mercato, and Brozovic has a bright future ahead of him at Inter. The defense looked solid, but at times the whole back line switched off. The defense was non-existent for two of Palermo’s biggest chances, and were lucky not to get punished. The feud between the fans and Icardi and Guairn seemed to have spurred on the players for the match tonight. Guarin was very physical and won many balls. The Colombian’s decision making when it comes to shooting must improve though. Icardi was another excellent performer for Inter this evening. The Argentine was hungry for goals and it showed. It was not Xherdan Shaqiri’s best performance. The Swiss international looked too excited and eager to make an impact. However, Shaqiri whipped in some very good freekicks and corners tonight. One playerd who really stood out this evening was Gary Medel. The Chilean looks at home in the middle of the park. Inter will miss Medel against Atalanta because he is suspended. Mancini got his tactics spot on, and his faith in Ranocchia paid off. The Italian looked confident in the back and barely made any mistakes. This was a great morale booster for the Nerazzurri. Hopefully, Inter can put together some good results before the game against Fiorentina.
