Como 1907 is feared for its strong defensive work, but Inter Milan are unimpressed. The league leaders are turning things around after a 0-2 deficit.
Inter Milan passed the acid test against the most successful defense in the Italian Serie A and won 4:3 (1:2) at Como 1907. The confident league leaders turned around a 0-2 deficit with braces from Marcus Thuram (45th + 1, 49th) and Denzel Dumfries (58th, 72nd).
Como’s talents Alex Valle (36th) and Nico Paz (45th) gave the hosts the lead and Lucas Da Cunha (89th, penalty) caused tension once again with his goal. In stoppage time, Como missed two great opportunities to equalize.
Inter continues to expand its lead
With the wild victory, Inter extended its lead over pursuers SSC Napoli (1-1 in Parma) to nine points. With only six games left in the season, the signs are clearly pointing to the championship.
Como fell behind Juventus Turin to fifth place, but is still involved in the fight for the four Champions League places. Despite the heavy defeat – it was only the second in the second half of the season – the surprise team continues to have the best defense in the league with 26 goals conceded. After several financial collapses, Como was still in the fourth division seven years ago, but wants to establish itself in the European football business with investor money from Indonesia.
Como gets off to a strong start
The game only got going after half an hour – with a triple chance for Como. Inter’s Denzel Dumfries first saved with a spectacular tackle against Douvikas, then Perrone missed and ultimately Valle’s shot got stuck, Dumfries was there again.
Five minutes later the lead was lost: Paz drove the ball strongly through the midfield and forced Yann Sommer into a save in the Milan goal. Valle placed the follow-up shot with centimeter precision in the left corner.
At 2-0, Como’s goalkeeper Jean Butez collected a spectacular assist. His precise, flat shot was the perfect assist for Paz, who finished with his left into the left corner. He benefited from Francesco Acerbi’s passivity; Inter’s defender neither attacked nor covered the goal.
Thuram initiates the turnaround
Inter responded directly this time. Captain Nicolo Barella crossed from the right and Como’s Ignace Van der Brempt briefly lost track in the center. Thuram took advantage of the situation and poked the ball into the right corner. It was Milan’s first good chance.
Immediately after the break, Thuram struck again and took advantage of two defensive errors. Como’s German central defender Marc Oliver Kempf failed in his attempt to control a long pass under pressure and goalkeeper Butez rushed out of his goal unnecessarily. All Thuram had to do was convert over Butez.
Inter Milan’s Marcus Thuram celebrates his second goal
Kempf unhappy again
Just nine minutes later, Inter took the lead. Hakan Calhanoglu’s free-kick cross found the unmarked Dumfries at the back post, and again Como’s vaunted defense was not well sorted.
Dumfries’ second goal also came from a free-kick cross and again Kempf was unfortunate. The ball bounced from the back of his head to the feet of Dumfries, who shot in from close range.
Da Cunha converts the penalty
Como gained hope in the final phase after Ange-Yoan Bonny tackled Paz. Bonny hit Como’s top player with his thigh after his shot and referee Davide Massa initially awarded a free kick. However, the VAR reported that the foul had taken place inside the 16′. Da Cunha safely converted the penalty.
Because Como missed their good chances in the tense stoppage time, Milan’s victory remained narrow.
