Mauro Icardi returns man-derby in Istanbul

Icardi’s decisive double: Galatasaray-Besiktas 2-1

Mauro Icardi is back as man-derby: after goals, some of them decisive, to win the stracittadine in Genoa (in a Sampdoria shirt) and Milan (on the Nerazzurri side of the Naviglio), the Argentine striker dragged his Galatasaray side to victory against city rivals Besiktas in one of Istanbul’s most heartfelt derbies for clubs and fans alike.

Maurito, who arrived in Turkey after his bittersweet experience at Paris Saint-Germain, scored first the 1-0 goal, on an assist from Baris Yilmaz, in the 18th minute, and then the 2-1 goal, in the 59th minute, on a suggestion from former Roma player Sergio Oliveira. A goal that rendered useless the momentary equalizer signed in the 28th minute by Cenk Tosun.

For Icardi, Saturday’s were goals number 3 and 4 of his Turkish experience: previously the former Inter captain had scored in another, less heartfelt derby against Istanbulspor in late September and last October 23 against Alanyaspor.