By David Rodich
Inter and Roma showed that this weekend’s abundance of goals weren’t limited to the English league as they netted a combined eight in the 5-3 Inter victory.
The scoring started early as Sneijder, in the 3rd minute, hit a highlight-reel shot from outside the box that left the goalkeeper with no chance. Ten minutes later though, Simplicio equalized, sliding in behind Maicon at the back post to knock in a cross. Following some acrobatic saves from Julio Cesar, Inter reclaimed their lead in the 35th as Eto’o coolly side-footed the ball into the back of the net.
In the second half the scoring kicked back off when Pazzini drew a penalty that Eto’o finished. Then with Roma a man-down, Inter got another in the 70th with a close-range header from Motta, making it a seemingly done deal at 4-1. Roma rallied though. They got one back off a deflected free kick, then one off a corner, and all of the sudden it was a one-goal match, making it a tense final ten minutes until Cambiasso found himself in front of an empty goal, moving the final tally to 5-3.
It must be said that the Nerazzurri did well in the January transfer window. Kharja and Pazzini have again proved themselves to be worthwhile assets, and Nagatomo, although only showcased briefly, looks to be an exciting burst of speed at left-back. Ranocchia, who is filling in for the injured center-back Lucio, shows potential but seems shaky in an unforgiving position, making the Brazilian’s return that much more eagerly awaited.
Continuing to close the gap, Inter are now in third place, 5 points back with a game in hand. They’ll hope to continue their march back towards the top of the table with a positive result against Juventus next weekend. Regardless if they win another Scudetto, this team under Leonardo is finally fun to watch, and I’m sure I’m not the only one enjoying their current attacking zeal.
