Inter keep up European push with hard-fought win away at Roma
With Roma’s hopes of a top-four finish dwindling with each passing week, the visit of a direct rival in Inter felt akin to a must-win encounter in their quest for UEFA Champions League football.
As such, the hosts started on the front foot, with only a fine stop from Andre Onana denying Lorenzo Pellegrini when the Italy international’s deflected effort looked destined for the roof of the net.
However, they found themselves behind shortly after the half-hour mark as Federico Dimarco converted Denzel Dumfries’ wicked delivery.
Conceding the opener was a crushing blow to Roma, and with boss Jose Mourinho becoming incredibly agitated on the touchline, the hosts were at risk of implosion.
The Giallorossi boss was incensed at the start of the second period, demanding a penalty after Matteo Darmian appeared to handle in the area - in the end, the fact it first ricocheted off his leg probably spared the full-back’s blushes.
Despite not being awarded a spot-kick, that incident did seem to spur Roma on, and Inter again had Onana to thank for preserving their lead as he produced a fine one-handed stop to deny Roger Ibanez.
As the home team continued to push for an equaliser, though, they were caught cold on the counterattack, mostly due to their mistakes.
A lax Ibanez pass gave Lautaro Martinez the simplest of tasks to slip Romelu Lukaku through on goal and the Belgian made no mistake in doubling Inter’s advantage.
The travelling side comfortably saw out the game, leaving Roma five points adrift of the top four with just four games remaining.
Meanwhile, Inter, who occupy that final Champions League qualification spot, are the big winners this weekend though, and the Nerazzurri could yet finish as high as second.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Francesco Acerbi (Inter Milan)
