Major Let-Off For Inter Milan – Ex Arsenal Star Avoids Blatant Yellow Card Vs Genoa & Suspension Vs Napoli | OneFootball

Henrikh Mkhitaryan was fortunate to avoid a blatant yellow card in Inter Milan’s win over Genoa yesterday, avoiding a suspension against Napoli.

This is the view in today’s print edition of Rome-based newspaper Corriere dello Sport, via FCInterNews.

Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi took a risk with his lineup selection yesterday.

The Nerazzurri coach started all of Alessandro Bastoni, Nicolo Barella, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan against Genoa.

All three of Bastoni, Barella, and Mkhitaryan were one booking away from suspension going into the Serie A clash.

And that is particularly significant in view of Inter’s next match. Next Saturday, the Nerazzurri face Napoli away.

Considering that Inter and Napoli are the top two teams in the Serie A table, there is already the feel of a potential title-decider.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan Lucky To Avoid Blatant Yellow In Inter Vs Genoa Clash – No Suspension Vs Napoli

All three of Bastoni, Barella, and Mkhitaryan managed to avoid yellow cards yesterday.

That means that all three regular starters will be available against Napoli next weekend.

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – JANUARY 02: Henrikh Mkhitaryan of FC Internazionale runs with the ball during the Italian Super Cup Semi-Final match between FC Internazionale and Atalanta at Al Awwal Park on January 02, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images)

But in the case of Mkhitaryan, that is a real let-off for Inter. And the result of a refereeing error.

The Armenian had committed what looked like a blatant drag-back on Genoa midfielder Fabio Miretti in the second half of yesterday’s match.

There was little attempt to play the ball by Henrikh Mkhitaryan. He was simply stopping the former Juventus midfielder from making a dangerous run forward with the ball.

However, referee Marco Piccinini somewhat mystifyingly did not show the 36-year-old former Roma and Arsenal midfielder a yellow card.