Inter Milan had to settle for a 2-2 draw against Atalanta in the sixth week of the Italian League at the Giuseppe Meazza, Saturday (25/9).
In the first half, Inter Milan started the game aggressively. Simone Inzaghi’s squad who appeared in front of their own supporters were very confident in messing up the defense of La Dea – Atalanta’s nickname.
Playing at home, Inter Milan did not take long to open the scoring. Inter only needed five minutes to open the scoring over Atalanta in this match. The goal that gave La Beneamata a 1-0 lead was scored by Argentine striker Lautaro Martinez.
Martinez fired a first-time volley that thrilled the Atalanta goal after receiving Nicolo Barella’s cross from the right side of the attack.
However, the lead only lasted for 25 minutes. Atalanta, who played more aggressively after falling behind, were able to equalize thanks to Ruslan Malinovsky’s goal.
Malinovsky’s shot using his left foot outside the penalty box nestled into the Inter goal without being able to stop by Samir Handanovic.
Atalanta then turned ahead eight minutes after Malinovsky’s goal. Rafael Toloi’s left foot shot from inside the penalty box managed to change the score to 2-1 which lasted until the first half was over.
In the second half, Inter, who did not want to be embarrassed at home, played more offensively. Martinez, Edin Dzeko and Matias Vecino got three alternate opportunities, which have yet to bear an equalizer.
Atalanta threatened first in the 48th minute. Ruslan Malinovsky opened fire but was swiftly parried by Samir Handanovic.
Hakan Calhanoglu tried to reply in the 49th minute, but his shot was still unable to hit the Atalanta goal which was escorted by Juan Musso.
Inter’s hard work to score a new goal paid off in the 71st minute. Federico Dimarco’s pass was maximized by Dzeko with a header to make the score 2-2.
Seven minutes before normal time, Inter were awarded a penalty after Merih Demiral was deemed a handball in the Atalanta penalty box. Federico Dimarco stepped up as the executor but his shot just hit the Atalanta crossbar.
Roberto Piccoli had broken into the Inter goal in the 88th minute. However, the referee did not approve the goal after consulting VAR.
In the remaining game time, Inter and Atalanta took turns launching attacks but no additional goals were created until the referee blew the long whistle to mark the end of the match.
An additional one point makes Inter are now in third place in the Serie A standings with a point of 14. They are three points ahead of Atalanta who are ranked fifth.
