Match day 32 saw Inter travel and face 19th place Frosinone. This match meant more too both teams than initially meets the eye. Frosinone were fighting to stay in Italy’s top league after struggling all season for results. On the other hand Inter were looking to increase their chances of Champions League qualification.
Heading into the match, Inter were boasting the fact that Frosinone had never beaten them. What made this even more impressive, Frosinone had never even put a goal past Inter. This match was never going to be a walk in the park, as Frosinone were on a 2 game winning streak. This is a feat which has never been completed by the team in their time in the Serie A.
Ultimately the odds were stacked against the home team with Inter sitting in 3rd place, and looking to secure a second European champions league birth.
The First Half
Inter came out of the gates strong and determined, looking for the opening goal. They didn’t need to wait long, when Nainggolan put the ball into the back of the net. Inter built the play up perfectly, when D’Ambrosio put a perfect cross into the box. The pressure was applied by Inter with 4 Inter players moving into the box. The cross landed perfectly on the unmarked Nainggolan who slipped the ball past the keeper. This was the perfect start for Inter, getting the first goal within the opening 20 minutes of play.
Inter continued to apply the pressure, with Frosinone only coming close through a set piece which was struck wide. It wasn’t too long until Inter struck again, this time through the likes of a penalty. Perisic who was taking the corner sent the ball just outside the box, and through the scramble of play, Skriniar was brought down. The referee did not think twice and awarded the penalty immediately. Perisic stepped up to the spot and fired the ball hard and low past the keeper, giving Inter their second. Inter were leading 2-0 after 37 minutes of play.
Inter could of extended their lead through a defensive error. The blunder left Icardi and Politano open, and it was Politano who failed to score in the one-on-one situation. This would’ve given Inter a comfortable 3-0 lead into half time, but as it stood the score remained 2-0.
The Second Half
Inter continued to apply the pressure throughout the second half carrying the momentum of the first half. But it was Frosinone who surprisingly drew first blood. The goal came in the form of a powerful strike from Cassata. The midfielder struck the ball from outside of the box. The shot was that powerfully that the contact from Handanovic wasn’t enough to keep it out of the net.
With the scores now at 2-1 Inter were beginning to feel the pressure. Was it another collapse that the fans have now become accustomed to? And were inter going to drop valuable points to a low team again? Inter continued to apply pressure, dominating possession throughout the match. It appeared that it was only a matter of time until Inter scored again. In the 90th minute the referee announced 5 minuted of added time, this is where Inter would score their 3rd. Mario who gained the ball in the midfield put a great pass through to Icardi. Icardi then put a superb through ball to Vecino, who belted the ball into the back of the net. Inter would then end the match 3-1 winners.
Post-match Review
Inter gained more than 3 points in this match. As of late there have been rumours of fallouts, speculation of players leaving, and the fact that Spalletti has lost the faith of the players. The display put forward by Inter put all those rumours to bed. Yes, the team were playing a low ranked team but it wasn’t the three points that impressed most. Inter dominated possession with 71% to Frosinone’s 29%. Passes Inter completed 610 out of 689 passes. Frosinone struggled on this level only completing 191 out of 270.
Inter now need to put the match of Frosinone behind them, as they now host Roma in the next match. With this win Inter maintained the 6 point gap over 4th placed Roma, but a win against them would increase that to 9.
Inter have the luxury in hosting Roma in the second time they meet this season. Roma who currently sit in 5th position hosted Inter in a 2-2 draw. (Goals: Balde & Icardi). Like Inter, Roma have been extremely inconsistent throughout the season. As well as inconsistency Inter and Roma both share the fact that they have been eliminated from all European competition.
Although both teams may be displaying inconsistency they do have a decent selection of players. On top of this the last time they met they both had played Champions league matches only days earlier. This time around both teams should be fully prepared and fatigue should not play a part.
