Inter Suffer Fiorentina Defeat, Atalanta Boost Top-four Hopes
Muhammad Rameez Published April 01, 2023 | 11:44 PM
Inter Milan slumped to a 1-0 home defeat by Fiorentina on Saturday as Giacomo Bonaventura's second-half goal dealt a blow to their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League from Serie A
Milan, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Apr, 2023 ) :Inter Milan slumped to a 1-0 home defeat by Fiorentina on Saturday as Giacomo Bonaventura's second-half goal dealt a blow to their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League from Serie A.
Simone Inzaghi's Inter, who will face Benfica in this season's Champions League quarter-finals, remain in third place.
But they are only two points clear of AC Milan and fifth-placed Atalanta who beat Cremonese 3-1 earlier Saturday, with Roma one point further behind ahead of their game against Sampdoria on Sunday.
Inter, who won the title two seasons ago, have now lost three successive matches in Serie A and four of their last five.
The hosts dominated for long periods at the San Siro but struggled to find a breakthrough as Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Romelu Lukaku both went close in the first half.
Inter should have forged ahead five minutes after the restart, but Lukaku somehow failed to get proper contact on Alessandro Bastoni's low cross while standing three yards out from an open net.
He was made to pay less than three minutes later, as Bonaventura nodded in from close range after Inter goalkeeper Andre Onana had saved Arthur Cabral's initial header.
Inter never seriously threatened an equaliser as Fiorentina extended their winning streak in the top flight to five games, moving within seven points of the European places.
Atalanta moved level on points with fourth-placed AC Milan thanks to a comfortable win at bottom club Cremonese.
Gian Piero Gasperini's team made it back-to-back victories either side of the international break to leapfrog Roma into fifth, behind Milan on head-to-head record.
Runaway leaders Napoli are 19 points clear as they romp towards a first Scudetto since 1990, but the next five teams are separated by only five points.
Dutch midfielder Marten de Roon gave Atalanta the lead just before half-time, although they were pegged back by Daniel Ciofani's penalty for relegation-destined Cremonese.
But Jeremie Boga put the visitors back in front with 17 minutes remaining.
The Ivorian tapped in after an excellent run and low cross from fellow substitute Rasmus Hojlund, who scored five goals in two games for Denmark in their recent Euro 2024 qualifiers.
"Rasmus has very important qualities and he has shown that extensively," Gasperini said of 20-year-old forward Hojlund.
"The steps to go higher and higher are endless. He must never lose that mentality and this concentration that he has."Ademola Lookman wrapped up the three points in injury time with his 15th goal of the season but first since January.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
PTI to stage nationwide protests against alleged electoral frauds
Senate continues discussion on Presidential address to Joint Sitting of Parliame ..
Masood Khan calls for Pak-US cooperation for regional peace
Interior Minister starts Margalla Trail Patrol for security
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 26 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 26 April 2024
ICC Womens T20 World Cup Qualifier, Match 2: Ireland Women open with Comfortable ..
Robinson, bowlers help New Zealand go 2-1 up against Pakistan
Shahzeb Chachar to hold khuli kachehri on April 26
Heatwave amid Israel's aggression in Gaza brings new misery, disease risk
Tourism must change, mayor says as Venice launches entry fee
Court adjourns Judicial Complex attack case till May 17
More Stories From Sports
-
Father, son killed in firing
3 hours ago -
Victor Boniface: Leverkusen boss Alonso makes you 'up your game'
7 hours ago -
ICC Womens T20 World Cup Qualifier, Match 2: Ireland Women open with Comfortable victory over UAE
11 hours ago -
Robinson, bowlers help New Zealand go 2-1 up against Pakistan
17 hours ago -
National Hockey camp to be organized for Azlan Shah tournament
18 hours ago -
Islamabad Tennis Club demolished by CDA amid anti-encroachment action at public park: Tarar
20 hours ago
-
Shayan, Rashid, Junaid to represent Pakistan in U12 Regional Qualifying Jrs
20 hours ago -
Olympic Games Paris 2024: How teams qualified
21 hours ago -
ICC T20 World Cup 2024 trophy unveiled in Islamabad
20 hours ago -
Pakistan to tour New Zealand for 3 ODIs, 5 T20Is next March
20 hours ago -
Xavi and Barca remain tied in marriage of convenience
20 hours ago -
Pakistan Master Tenpin Bowling C'ship postponed
20 hours ago