Grifone throttle floundering Inter as title hopes constrict
Inter Milan extended their winless run in Serie A (SA) to four games after being held to a goalless draw by Genoa at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris. Although ‘Il Grifone’ can take heart from holding the defending champions, it’s now 24 league matches since they last tasted victory.
After watching arch-rivals AC Milan drop points prior to kick-off, Inter looked determined to close the gap at the top of SA. Early chances for Ivan Perišić and Hakan Çalhanoğlu went begging, as the ‘Nerazzurri’ continued to struggle in front of goal. Alexander Blessin’s side grew into the half and despite conceding huge amounts of possession, actually looked the more threatening side. Albert Guðmundsson missed a gilt-edged chance from close range, before Samir Handanović produced a superb reaction save to deny Filippo Melegoni.
Simone Inzaghi’s men made a sluggish start to the second half, taking some time to click into gear and threaten the Genoa goal. On the hour mark though, they were inches away from finding an opener as Danilo D’Ambrosio rose highest from a corner, but his header thundered off the bar.
Inter looked short of a spring in their step that would be needed to find a late winner, firing in 21 shots, yet only four hit the target. An unsuccessful late barrage means the SA holders have now drawn three consecutive away games in the league for the first time since October 2013. Meanwhile, Genoa will gain confidence from a spirited display, but the result leaves them six points adrift of safety, having failed to score in six of their last eight league games on home soil.