Malik Waqar
Inter Milan moved within a point of Serie A leaders Napoli with a 2-1 victory over Fiorentina at San Siro on Monday, avenging last week’s heavy defeat in Florence.
Marko Arnautovic, starting in place of the injured Marcus Thuram, headed in his first league goal of the season early in the second half, securing three crucial points for Simone Inzaghi’s side.
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The win puts additional pressure on Napoli, who were held to a draw by Udinese on Sunday.
Inter now turn their focus to a crucial away clash against Juventus next weekend, while Napoli face fourth-placed Lazio as the title race intensifies.
Fiorentina’s Marin Pongracic turned the ball into his own net in the 28th minute following a corner that was awarded despite Alessandro Bastoni’s cross appearing to have gone out of play.
The visitors found a way back just before half-time when Matteo Darmian’s handball led to a penalty, converted by Rolando Mandragora after a lengthy VAR check.
Inter, however, remained dominant and reclaimed the lead in the 51st minute through Arnautovic’s header from a Carlos Augusto cross. Despite further chances, they could not extend their advantage but did enough to see out the victory.
“We’re close to Napoli, but it’s a long season,” Arnautovic told DAZN. “We just have to keep winning games.”
Atalanta, also in contention, sit four points behind Inter in third after a 5-0 win over Verona on Saturday.
