Inter failed an important test on Wednesday when they fell to defeat at Sampdoria, according to Italian journalist Maurizio Pistocchi.

The Nerazzurri were looking for a ninth straight win in Serie A at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris but succumbed to two of their former players, with Antonio Candreva and Keita Balde firing the hosts to a 2-1 win.

Pistocchi told his followers on Twitter that Samp keeper Emil Audero was a key factor in the Blucerchiati’s victory, having saved a first-half penalty from Alexis Sanchez when the score was still 0-0.

Inter had no shortage of opportunities during the game and while Audero was beaten once by a Stefan de Vrij header in the second half, he was equal to everything else that came in his direction.

By losing against Claudio Ranieri’s side, Inter not only snapped their eight-game winning streak in the league but the Nerazzurri club also missed out on the opportunity to go to the top of the Serie A table, if only for a few hours.

Pistocchi took to Twitter to share his views and posted: “Inter failed their exam for a ninth straight win.

“Sanchez missed a penalty after seven minutes, Audero saved everything and Sampdoria won 2-1.”