Inter Milan 2-2 Lazio: Pedro’s Brace Hands Napoli Scudetto Assist | OneFootball

In the penultimate round of Serie A, Inter Milan and Lazio shared the spoils in a dramatic showdown at San Siro that did little favor to either side.

Inter & Lazio Starting Lineups

In the absence of injured Inter captain Lautaro Martinez, Simone Inzaghi unleashed his best available lineup, spearheaded by Marcus Thuram and Mehdi Taremi. The tried-and-tested trio of Nicolo Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu and Henrikh Mkhitaryan connected in midfield, while Denzel Dumfries and Federico Dimarco took the wings.

On the other hand, Marco Baroni decided to tinker with his lineup, as Matias Vecino started as an attacking midfielder behind Taty Castellanos, with Boulaye Dia shifted to the left wing due to the absence of the suspended Mattia Zaccagni.

Gustav Isaksen started on the right flank, while Matteo Guendouzi and Nicolo Rovella kept their places in midfield. Nuno Tavares’ return was a pleasant surprise for the Laziali.

Gustav Isaksen Wastes Sitter

The first half was a slow burn, with Lazio dominating possession in the early going, while Inter gradually built some momentum before assuming control of the action. Nevertheless, we had to wait half an hour before witnessing a dangerous chance on either side.

Mandas did well to parry away Dimarco’s volley despite the treacherous bounce, but Isaksen should have put the Aquile in the lead after being put through goal thanks to an inch-perfect pass from Dia. The Dane found himself one-on-one with Yann Sommer who held firm to deny the winger from close range.

Yann Bissek Breaks the Deadlock

While the two sides appeared to be heading towards the interval on level terms, the Nerazzurri took the lead in the dying embers of the first half from a corner kick. Dimarco’s low drive was bravely blocked by Alessio Romagnoli, but Yann Bisseck kept his cool to pounce on the rebound, smashing his shot into the roof of the net to set the San Siro ablaze.

Pedro Equalizes

In the second half, Baroni introduced Pedro as a replacement for the disappointing Iskasen, and the latter once again produced the goods off the bench.

In the 72nd minute, Adam Marusic’s shot was deflected off Dumfries’ hand, which set up a golden opportunity for Vecino to strike. While the Uruguayan’s first touch let him down, he at least he managed to backpass the ball to Pedro who made no mistake from close range. The goal was initially disallowed for offside, but the VAR did justice to Lazio following a long review.

Denzel Dumfries Restores Inter’s Lead

It didn’t take Inter long to restore their lead, as Calhanoglu’s sublime free-kick was directed home by Dumfries who beat Mandas at the near post, much to the delight of the home crowd who wildly celebrated their temporary top spot.

Pedro Completes Brace

Once again, Inter’s joy was short-lived, as the VAR picked up Dumfries’ handball. After a swift on-field review, the match official pointed towards the spot, and Pedro coolly slotted the ball past Sommer’s outstretched hand.

Dramatic Finish

Lazio’s second equalizer set the stage for a dramatic finale. Francesco Acerbi brought the ball down for Marko Arnautovic who somehow miskicked the ball in front of the empty net. The Austrian thought he had made amends by scoring the winner, but it was ruled out for offside.

In the end, Inter squandered the opportunity to overtake Napoli who remain on top of the Serie A table despite a stalemate in Parma, while Lazio slipped to sixth place and now need a miracle to gain a Champions League berth on the final day of the season.

Inter Milan 2-2 Lazio

Goals: 46′ Bisseck (I), 72′ Pedro (L), 80′ Dumfries (I), 90′ Pedro (L).

Inter (3-5-2): Sommer; Bisseck, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco (68′ Carlos Augusto); Thuram, Taremi (56′ Correa).

Lazio (4-2-3-1) : Mandas; Marusic, Gila (97′ Gigot), Romagnoli, Tavares (65′ Hysaj); Guendouzi, Rovella; Isaksen (53′ Pedro), Vecino, Dia; Castellanos.

Referee: Chiffi

Yellow cards: 38′ Calhanoglu (I), 61′ Gila (L), 78′ Romagnoli (L).