By David Rodich
Inter came away with all three points Friday night in Genoa after scoring just one goal and doing enough to earn yet another shutout. While this wasn’t a shining example of the beautiful game, there were some notable elements of quality.
Luka Toni reminded everyone why he was such a vital player for the Italian squad for so long. His strength and craft made up for his lack of grace as his play in front of goal created several chances for the home side, but Genoa never made them count.
Inter had its unfinished chances too. The 29th minute saw a lovely counter attack that ended with a rare miss from Eto’o in front of the net. It was substitute Muntari who got the lone goal in extra time of the first half with a 30-yard shot that bounced off of goalkeeper Eduardo’s shoulder into the Genoa goal.
Twenty minutes after half time Julio Cesar came off with a muscular problem, but his understudy Luca Castellazzi performed well in his first Serie A match with vital saves from Toni and Destro.
This victory put the Nerazzurri ahead of AC Milan, who lost against Juventus 1-2 on Saturday, and a point behind first place Lazio, who take on Palermo Sunday.
Captian Zanetti had this to say, “”It was very important to win in yet another difficult away game against Genoa after those at Palermo and Cagliari.”
Benitez added, “”It was a difficult game tonight against a team that did well and never stopped attacking, but we showed character.”
