Despite Walter Mazzarri's best efforts, bringing on Jose Sosa and Juan Zuniga to overload the Napoli attack, the visitors' infamous luck ran out today at the San Siro. Inter Milan announced their return as title contenders with a resounding 3-1 win over the partenopei, with Thiago Motta scoring a brace and Esteban Cambiasso adding one in between. The visitors added their goal through the surprising name of Michele Pazienza, who nodded on an Ezequiel Lavezzi corner.Which, at least, allowed this Napoli fan to learn how to properly spell his last name.
Inter Milan Vs. Napoli: Napoli Time Has Drained Away, Leaving Inter With A 3-1 Win
That's about the only bright spot for Napoli fans right now, who, rather than see their team take sole possession of the second spot in the table, slipped down to third, with Lazio's draw against Genoa sufficient to allow them to slide in to second. Fans of the Nerazzurri, meanwhile, will likely be ecstatic with the performance of their side. The treble winners remain in seventh position, yet have shown more than a few sparks of their trophy winning selves. Save for the headed goal in the first half, the Inter defense has been nearly flawless, managing to neutralize the fluid attacking trio of Marek Hamsik, Ezequiel Lavezzi and Edinson Cavani.
It’s only been one match, but Inter supporters who called for Rafael Benitez’s firing likely feel vindicated after the team’s first performance of 2011. It could have been the management of Leonardo, the return from injury of many key players, or even the trip to Dubai. Or it could have been the lackluster play of Napoli. Inter Milan still have a mountain to climb in order to challenge for the scudetto, but they’re certainly feeling more confident after that win.
See More:
