Inter 2-0 Como
Some games are won in the final minutes. This one was won before most fans had finished settling into their seats.
The Knockout Punches
Inter wasted no time. Pio Esposito struck in the 12th minute, and San Siro was already roaring. Seven minutes later, in the 19th, they struck again as Marcus Thuram scored. It was 2-0, and Como had barely found their footing. For a side that came to Milan hoping to impose its passing game, it was a nightmare start. Instead of building patiently, they were chasing the match from the first quarter-hour.
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Como Had the Ball, Inter Had the Game
The numbers tell a strange story. Como controlled 57% of possession, yet they produced just 4 shots, only 1 on target. Inter’s defensive line, with Akanji, Bastoni and Carlos Augusto organised in front of Josep Martinez in goal, left them nowhere to go. Every Como attack ran into a wall of blue and black. Como tried to change things. They made two substitutions at half-time and three more in the 74th minute, searching for a spark. Inter’s shape stayed firm, and the game never opened up.
The Midfield Engine Room
Barella, Calhanoglu and Zielinski gave Inter their balance and discipline. Dimarco and Spence provided width on the flanks. The side stayed compact, absorbed pressure, and attacked quickly when the chance came. Inter made five second-half changes, keeping fresh legs on the pitch to see out the game. Their only yellow card came in the 72nd minute, and Como finished without a single booking.
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What It Means
The win steadies Inter after the painful 3-1 derby defeat to AC Milan at the end of October. Before that setback, they had won five of six, including 2-1 over Fiorentina and 2-0 at Venezia. This performance was a reminder of what they do best: controlled, clinical football that gives opponents very little.
Como, who have been flying high under Cesc Fabregas, got a tougher opponent to face and must have learnt a lesson. They move to 5th in Serie A as Inter take the 2nd slot.
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