Inter get crucial away win over Fiorentina, return to Serie A summit

Inter Milan faced a tough test on Sunday when they travelled to Fiorentina, looking to return to the top of the Serie A standings. After Juventus had unexpectedly dropped points on Saturday, the Nerazzurri knew a win would see them overtake their rivals with a game in hand.

The home side started brightly but Inter soon took control and opened the scoring in the 15th minute. A corner from Kristjan Asllani was met by the league’s leading scorer Lautaro Martínez, who headed in his 19th goal of the campaign.

Both teams had chances to add to the score as the half wore on, with great saves at both ends keeping it 1-0 at the break. The second half proved a tense affair as clear-cut opportunities were lacking. Inter thought they had a second when Marko Arnautović finished neatly, but the goal was ruled out for offside in the build-up.

With a quarter hour left, the visitors were perhaps fortunate when Nicolas González struck a weak penalty which was easily saved after a spot-kick was awarded to the hosts. The miss proved costly as La Viola could not create any further openings, allowing Inter to secure a precious 1-0 victory.

The win returns Simone Inzaghi’s side to the Serie A summit as their fantastic away form continues, now unbeaten in 15 matches on their travels. Fiorentina remained in the hunt for a UEFA Champions League spot but was unable to break down the league leaders on home soil.