Marko Arnautovic’s second-half header moved Inter to within a point of Serie A leaders Napoli after they beat Fiorentina 2-1 at the San Siro on Monday.
Napoli were held to a 1-1 draw with Udinese on Sunday, with Simone Inzaghi’s side taking full advantage of that slip to keep them in the hunt for the Scudetto this season.
The hosts started strongly in the game and were denied the opening goal by the post, with Carlos Augusto’s header from a corner-kick striking the woodwork early on.
Inter struck the frame of the goal once again four minutes later. Another teasing delivery from a corner was met by Lautaro Martinez, but his effort cannoned off the crossbar.
The hosts would, however, edge ahead in the 28th minute when Marin Pongracic inadvertently turned another Hakan Calhanoglu corner into his own net.
But the visitors drew level just before the break after Matteo Darmian handled the ball inside the area, with Rolando Mandragora dispatching the spot-kick.
However, Inter restored their advantage seven minutes after the restart when substitute Arnautovic rose highest to plant Augusto’s first time cross beyond David de Gea.
Inter were unable to increase their lead from then on, with Nicola Zalewski, Nicolo Barella and Piotr Zielinski unable to trouble De Gea in the closing stages.
Data Debrief: The race is on
Inter knew the significance of their clash on Monday given Napoli’s disappointing result against Udinese, and they did so with ease, with the scoreline perhaps flattering Fiorentina.
Inter attempted 22 shots in the contest, double the number that they managed in their previous league match against Fiorentina (11), while their home success was their second in a row over Monday’s opponents in Serie A, last achieving back-to-back home wins against them between 2016 and 2018 (a run of three).
Inzaghi’s side have now scored 10 headed goals in Serie A, with only Atalanta (11) netting more, with the deciding contribution coming from Arnautovic.
Arnautovic has now been involved in two goals (one goal and one assist) in his last two appearances at the San Siro in Serie A, having failed to score in the league since 26 May 2024 (brace v Hellas Verona).
