Antonio Conte still has plenty of reason to smile despite Inter dropping points at Spezia last night, according to a report in the Italian media today.
Corriere dello Sport’s print edition said the Nerazzurri had continued their countdown to the Serie A title after their 1-1 draw at the Stadio Alberto Picco.
Inter can be satisfied as they move ever closer to achieving their objective, although the Rome-based paper argued they were less impressive than normal because they knew the stakes were so high now.
Samir Handanovic and Romelu Lukaku made costly errors while Lautaro Martinez was unlucky to hit the post twice and have two goals ruled out for offside, but overall Conte can be pleased.
Inter were too passive in the opening stages last night and allowed Spezia to carry out their game plan, but Conte’s side got their act together after conceding a goal to Diego Farias.
The Nerazzurri circulated the ball better and kept getting the ball to Achraf Hakimi, described as their most dangerous player on the night.
Ivan Perisic celebrated his 200th appearance for the club in all competitions by scoring the equaliser shortly before half-time, but Inter were unable to kick on and find the winner.
Conte’s side took control of the second half, despite a fairly slow tempo, and ended up with 20 shots on goal to Spezia’s one.
Spezia celebrated as if they’d won when Daniele Chiffi blew his full-time whistle, the reported highlighted, but Inter would have had reason to smile as well when they looked at the league table.
They are now 10 points clear of AC Milan in second and need a maximum of nine more from their final six games, in order to win the title.
