Despite trailing 0-2 at one point, Inter Milan cemented its lead in the table. Against Pisa, the Nerazzurri scored half a dozen goals and celebrated a successful dress rehearsal ahead of the Champions League clash with Dortmund.
Inter Milan started the 22nd matchday with a six-point lead over their closest rivals and local rivals AC. While the Nerazzurri had previously gone nine games without defeat in the league, they had once again failed to pick up any points in the Champions League during the week (1-3 against Arsenal). Coach Cristian Chivu made five changes in response, bringing Bisseck into the back three, among others.
Despite the rotation, the hosts had firmly planned to take all three points against bottom-of-the-table newcomers Pisa – but doubts were to arise. After Moreo had initially capitalized on a costly misplaced pass by Inter keeper Sommer to make it 1-0 to the visitors (11th minute), the 32-year-old even managed to score a brace with a header (23rd minute).
Inter turn the game around before the break
The Giuseppe Meazza Stadium was in shock, and Inter coach Chivu reacted by making an early substitution, replacing Luis Henrique with Dimarco (34′). While the substitution paid off handsomely as the game progressed, the equalizer came just five minutes later through Zielinski, who converted a penalty.
But that was not all, because Milan turned the game around before the break: Lautaro Martinez’s header, which Dimarco had set up perfectly (41′), was followed by a header from Esposito, who scored to make it 3-2 after an assist from Bastoni (45’+2).
Dimarco rewards himself
The hosts were only able to carry some of the momentum from the end of the first half into the second, although they remained the dominant team. Shortly before and after the hour mark, they almost made it 4-2, but Scuffet (59′) and Calabresi (63′) prevented both attempts in desperate situations.
Pisa made another offensive appearance through Canestrelli (76′) before completely falling apart. Dimarco got the ball rolling, rewarding himself for his powerful substitute appearance and establishing a two-goal lead with a volley (82′).
Mkhitaryan scores his first league goal
The final nail in the coffin was hammered in by another substitute, Bonny, whose solo run ended with a well-placed left-footed shot to make it 5-2 (86′). Mkhitaryan then took advantage of a pass from Bisseck in stoppage time to score his first league goal of the season (90+3), completing the Nerazzurri’s half-dozen.
The Milanese should certainly not be lacking in confidence when they visit Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Wednesday (9 p.m.). In Serie A, the Nerazzurri continue on February 1 (6 p.m.) at Cremonese. Pisa will be fighting for important points in the relegation battle against Sassuolo (3 p.m.) the day before.