Mancosu cancels out Bastoni's opener, Inter forced to settle for draw in Lecce



Team

Jan 19th 2020

5 MIN READING

The Nerazzurri are only able to hold on for six minutes: it finishes 1-1 at the Via del Mare


LECCE - We knew that Lecce would be tough opponents to face and we also knew that it’d be difficult to win on the Via del Mare turf (Juventus also drew here). However, following Bastoni’s goal Inter seemed to be on their way to three points after having to dig in against the Salentini. But Lecce, who defended well throughout the match, demonstrated great character to find the equaliser six minutes after going behind. And so Conte’s men were forced to settle for a draw  their second 1-1 stalemate in succession.

Inter began brightly, trying to get at the opposition and attack directly and high up the pitch. Just 40 seconds in, Lukaku threatened Gabriel’s goal with a header. It seemed like it was going to be a complicated match for Liverani’s defence, with the Lecce coach aiming to nullify the Nerazzurri with a 3-5-2 formation which turned into a 5-3-2 when the Salentini were out of possession. Lining up with Brozovic in the centre, Sensi and Barella were looking to string some moves together. And Inter could have taken the lead with three minutes on the clock: Rispoli almost scored an own goal before Lukaku drilled just wide with his left foot just seconds later. With Inter coming forward, the home side were looking to hit their opponents on the break and find space behind the Nerazzurri defence, which was holding a high line. In the seventh minute, an unmarked Mancosu skied the ball at the back post following a counter-attack led by Rispoli. It was a scare for Conte’s men, who were forced to stay alert and ensure that there was enough defensive cover to stop Lapadula and Babacar's runs. Meanwhile, Liverani’s team were defending in numbers and Inter’s crosses were often being met by the Lecce backline, resulting in the Nerazzurri trying to play their way through the centre. After 19 minutes, Lukaku had a goal ruled out after challenging Gabriel in the air before referee Giacomelli ruled that Donati’s poor challenge on Barella was only worth a yellow after consulting VAR.

Just like in the opening match of the season, Brozovic looked to break the deadlock in the 29th minute, but the Croatian midfielder saw his effort hit the post after good link-up play with Lukaku. Two minutes later, the No.77 was denied by Gabriel, who managed to get back up and save the same player’s follow-up header. Plenty of chances, but they failed to be converted into the much-awaited goal. Inter controlled possession in the first half but found very little space in the Lecce final third, and then the hosts thought they’d have the opportunity to take the lead: Babacar looked to have won his side a penalty after Sensi was adjudged by Giacomelli to have handled in the box, but he overturned his original decision after consulting the on-field-review system.

After the restart Lecce continued to prove problematic for Conte’s side at the Via del Mare. Their wingers were proactive and, supported by Deiola, they were able to threaten Handanovic’s goal and force him into action: both Donati and Babacar came close early on in the half. Inter adjusted their attitude added more movement to their game, but they failed to find any real space thanks to the Giallorossi’s defensive diligence. Lukaku and Lautaro tried to link up and unleash each other with clever first touches. The Argentinian tested Gabriel from range twice but was unable to beat the Lecce shot-stopper. Rispoli, meanwhile, continued to fly up and down the right flank and cause problems for the Nerazzurri defence.

However, the pressure finally told as Bastoni entered the field of play to score almost straight away: he bagged his first goal for Inter as he rose highest at the near post to connect with Biraghi’s cross and head past Gabriel.

A deserved lead, but it wasn’t to last long: six minutes later Lecce were back on level terms. Majer, having come on earlier, drove to the byline and pulled the ball back for Mancosu to convert from close range, his sixth goal in the league this season. A sharp jolt back to reality for the Nerazzurri, and it almost got even worse as they came inches from falling behind when Falco hit the outside of the post with a free-kick in the 81st minute. Inter had a chance to win it at the death, but Donati cleared off the line after Lautaro had pounced on a mistake from Gabriel. It’s now back-to-back draws in the league for Inter after their result against Atalanta. The Nerazzurri are now on 47 points and will face Cagliari at 12:30 CET on Sunday in Serie A.

LECCE 1-1 INTER

LECCE (3-5-2): 21 Gabriel; 6 Lucioni, 13 Rossettini, 39 Dell'Orco; 29 Rispoli (10 Falco 76'), 14 Deiola, 4 Petriccione, 8 Mancosu (16 Meccariello 83'), 7 Donati; 9 Lapadula (37 Majer 62'), 30 Babacar.Substitutes: 22 Vigorito, 97 Chironi, 2 Ricciardi, 3 Vera, 25 Gallo, 34 Maselli, 77 Tachtsidis.Coach: Fabio Liverani. 

INTER (3-5-2): 1 Handanovic; 2 Godin (95 Bastoni 68'), 6 de Vrij, 37 Skriniar; 87 Candreva, 23 Barella, 77 Brozovic (20 Borja Valero 82'), 12 Sensi (7 Sanchez 82'), 34 Biraghi; 9 Lukaku, 10 Lautaro.Substitutes: 27 Padelli, 46 Berni, 13 Ranocchia, 19 Lazaro, 21 Dimarco, 30 Esposito, 31 Pirola, 32 Agoumé.Coach: Antonio Conte.

Goalscorers: 71' Bastoni (I), 77' Mancosu (L)Bookings: Donati (L), Candreva (I), Borja Valero (I), Meccariello (L)Added time: 2', 4'

Referee: Giacomelli.Assistants: Liberti, Bottegoni.Fourth official: Marini.VAR and Assistant VAR: Guida, Fiorito.


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