Inter, an incredible comeback victory with two goals in stoppage time
Inter pulled off a stunning comeback victory against Fiorentina thanks to goals by Thuram and Zielinski (on a penalty kick) in stoppage time. An incredible finish that erased the Viola’s temporary lead, scored by Jimenez, and secured three precious points for Chivu’s team. The Nerazzurri thus remain atop the standings with 22 points, tied with Lazio, one week before the derby.
Chivu brought back Pio Esposito to partner Thuram up front and selected Provedel in goal, making his first start in a Nerazzurri jersey. The former Lazio player would play a key—albeit negative—role in the play leading to Fiorentina’s opening goal. Inter got off to a rather cautious start at the Meazza, struggling to find space against an aggressive and well-organized Fiorentina. Mastantuono and Njie stood out on the wings, while the home team gradually increased the pressure.
Around the half-hour mark, the Nerazzurri began to pose a threat, first through Mkhitaryan and Carlos Augusto, then especially through Thuram, the true driving force behind Inter’s attack. De Gea, however, was decisive, making outstanding saves against both the Frenchman and Pio Esposito late in the first half. The Viola goalkeeper kept his team in the game, allowing them to reach halftime with the score tied at 0-0. There was no shortage of controversy over a suspected handball by Pongracic in the box.
The second half began with an injury to the Croatian defender and another chance for Thuram, who was once again denied by De Gea. Inter continued to press but failed to capitalize on their dominance. In the 64th minute, however, it was Fiorentina who struck unexpectedly: Jimenez curled a shot from distance past Provedel, putting the Viola up 1-0.
For the seventh time this season, Inter found themselves trailing and responded by surging forward with great intensity, though not always with the necessary composure. Bonny’s entrance injects new energy into the attack, while Thuram appeals for a penalty that seems clear-cut. Carlos Augusto even hits the crossbar twice, and the Nerazzurri’s shot tally rises to 26 without managing to equalize. Fiorentina also came close to doubling their lead through Gnonto, but Provedel redeemed himself by deflecting the shot for a corner.
Chivu went all out, bringing on the young Lavelli and switching to a three-man attack. The move pays off in the dying moments: in the 90th minute, Thuram scores the 1-1 equalizer with a precise finish, rewarding the home team’s relentless pressure. With six minutes of stoppage time still to play, the match remains wide open.
Inter kept believing and were rewarded at the very last moment. Valdepeñas brought down Thuram in the box, and the referee pointed to the spot. Zielinski stepped up to take the penalty and made no mistake, sealing the 2-1 victory in the 97th minute. The Meazza erupts, while Fiorentina watches a victory that seemed within reach slip away.
With one week to go before the derby, Chivu’s team sits in first place with 22 points alongside Lazio, four points ahead of Roma and five ahead of Como. The situation is becoming increasingly complicated for Fiorentina, however, as they remain second-to-last with four points, tied with Udinese, Genoa, and Parma, pending the results of the day’s other matches.
