The perfect way to end the year for Inter, as our front two in Dzeko and Lautaro combined brilliantly for a 3-2 win away to Atalanta.
We know with the World Cup around the corner, Inter needed to finish 2022 with a win before the break and they did exactly that! A match where not many expected 3 points, especially with Inter’s form against the top teams so far.
An early kick-off in the day meant the team could play expansive football. There was no slipperiness as the conditions were absolutely perfect for football. Nice blue skies and sunshine. There isn’t a better combination than football and beautiful weather.
First half –
To the game itself, it started very slowly for Inter. Onana kept Inter in the game for first 20 minutes, as we were lucky to still be at 0-0. For the second match in a row, Inter would be behind on the scoreboard at the 25th minute as one of the softest penalties you’ll see was conceded.
De Vrij stuck a leg out and Zapata made the most of the tiniest of touches, and referee Chiffi had no doubt in his mind and awarded the penalty. Looking back at it, VAR could’ve said something but it wasn’t a clear error so understand why they stayed out.
Just over 10 minutes later, our strikers would combine in lovely fashion. A dangerous ball from Hakan made it’s way into the box as Lautaro headed behind him and Dzeko latched onto it wonderfully. Dzeko took the ball acrobatically out of the air with Musso standing no chance to stop it.
The half time whistle would blow and 1-1 the score. To be fair, Atalanta created the better chances so Inter would’ve considered themselves lucky to be all square at the break.
Final 45 –
The second half would start and Inter kept their momentum going. Several good opportunities just missing a finish before Dzeko grabbed his second. A great team goal as the ball pinged between team mates before a stunning cross from Dimarco found Dzeko two yards out.
A bit of a messy finish as it deflected between bodies, but the ball made it’s way over the line. Musso was too late as the ball already crossed before he tried smacking it away from goal.
With Inter starting to get their hold on the match, the final nail in the coffin would come in 61st minute. Another Hakan ball, this time from a corner, and another flick on from Lautaro aimed at Dzeko. Unfortunately for Palomino, he would get there first as the ball pelted into the goal. An own goal for Atalanta.
Just over 15 minutes later, a Lautaro header from a corner would find Palomino again but this the Atalanta man would redeem himself and put the ball in the correct net. The score now 3-2, and this is where it would finish.
Man of the Match –
A close one, but Edin Dzeko must get praise again. It’s a shame he is at the end of his career, as it would’ve been incredible to see this guy in his prime.
At the age of 36, he’s aging like fine wine with his skills still as good as ever. He may have slowed down in pace, but his experience in tight situations makes up for speed.
For example his placement today was incredible once again. To be in the right place at the right time isn’t coincidence. If not for the Palomino own goal, Dzeko was right behind to grab his hattrick.
With all the news of Lukaku struggling with injury, Dzeko has taken it upon himself to lead the line. Another important set of goals to Dzeko, and that now makes it 6 in Serie A this season.
To be completely honest, I don’t think our campaign thus far would feel so good if Dzeko had not stepped up. Even though we have lost 5 matches, the great thing is the 9 wins accompanying that.
There have been some brilliant individual performances from Onana, Barella, Lautaro, Dimarco and Dzeko in matchdays gone by, as we are still waiting for that excellent team performance against a direct rival on the table.
Where to next?
That’s the end for Serie A in the year 2022, as the World Cup will halt all club competitive football. There are a few friendlies coming up with Salzburg in early December then Real Betis a week before Christmas.
Our first game back in 2023 will be against the front runners Napoli. I’m confident the World Cup can affect some teams more than others, and Napoli will drop points after the break. I really believe Inter can win that but we’ll see a bit closer once we know the squads.
Hopefully no injuries in the World Cup.
Prediction: Inter 3-1
As always, Forza Inter!
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