)
Inter Milan suffered a shocking defeat on the road against a gutsy Spezia side.
Prior to falling to a ruthless Spezia, Inter Milan controlled the game for significant chunks of time. They were able to score an equaliser after initially falling behind, but the hosts converted a late penalty to grab a shock
Lautaro Martinez missed a penalty in the 10th minute of the game before Daniel Maldini fired Spezia ahead in the 55th minute of the game.
Lukaku pulled Inter level in the 83rd minute of the game from the penalty spot, but Spezia went ahead soon after from a penalty of their own in the 87th minute of the game.
The win helped Spezia open a six-point gap between themselves and Verona in 18th place, a step forward in their goal to retain their Serie A status next season.
On the other hand, Inter's slip-up leaves them open to being overtaken in second place.
How it happened
Inter Milan started with purpose and could have grabbed an early goal but for poor finishing by Lautaro Martinez.
Inter were then handed an opportunity from the penalty spot after VAR informed referee Livio Marinelli of an infraction in the box.
Lautaro Martinez stepped up to take the consequent penalty from a VAR review, but the Argentine striker fired in the direction of Bartlomiej Dragowski, who anticipated it expertly.
Martinez was again guilty of profligacy, failing to find the back of the net from point blank, with his attempt saved by Dragowski.
Inter continued to press, but Spezia had chances of their own when Kevin Agudelo's shot crashed against the crossbar.
The frustration for Lautaro Martinez continued on the night as he finally found the back of the net, but his goal was deemed illegal due to offside.
The deadlock was finally broken, but it was Spezia who got it against the run of play. M'bala Nzola found Maldini in the box, and the AC Milan loanee made no mistake burying the ball at the back of the net.
Inter continued to dominate the game, but their efforts to get an equaliser failed to yield results until a foul in the box saw Inter handed their second penalty of the night.
Lukaku stepped up to take it this time, and the big Belgian made no mistake, beating Dragowski in the battle of wills.
Moments after Lukaku's goal, Inter handed Spezia a chance to reclaim the lead when Dumfries made a clumsy challenge in the box
Nzola took responsibility for the penalty, which he effortlessly fired past the outstretched Handanovic.
Inter pushed for a late equaliser, but they were unable to break down the resolute Spezia.
Related content
)
09:25 - 24.02.2023
Ranking Xavi’s European exits with Barcelona
After four exits in two seasons, it appears that Barcelona might never find European success with Xavi
)
12:45 - 23.02.2023
PREMIER LEAGUE Thierry Henry reveals Lukaku has no interest in returning to Chelsea
Legendary Arsenal striker and former Belgium assistant manager Thierry Henry has revealed that Romelu Lukaku is not interested in a return to Chelsea when his loan spell at Internazionale ends.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)