Inter have secured their pass to the Champions League round of 16 with a day to spare. The Nerazzurri beat Salzburg 1-0 away, thanks to a penalty kick convert by Lautaro Martinez in the 85th minute.
A hard-fought and well-deserve success, which is worth the first or second place in Group D (depending on the outcome of the direct clash with Real Sociedad, also qualified).
A balance match and tactical, with few chances on either side. In the first half, Inter give up possession of the ball, controlling the defensive phase and creating few dangers to the Austrian defence, Frattesi’s goal as the first half expired being the only emotion.
Salzburg, on the other hand, try to exploit the counter-attacks, but without troubling Sommer.
In the second half, Inzaghi change the face of his team, inserting Barella, Lautaro and Asllani; the three substitutes gave more vivacity and quality to the Nerazzurri attack, which increase the pressure on Salzburg.
In a while, Lautaro goes close to scoring with a header that graze the post. But at the 85th minute, the decisive moment: Barella win a penalty kick for a foul by Wober. From the eleven metres, Lautaro make no mistake and seal his second goal in this year’s Champions League.
With this result, Inter celebrate its third consecutive victory in the tournament, after those against Benfica and Salzburg itself. Now, the Nerazzurri will play for first place in Group D with the Spanish team.
Inter will participate in the Club World Cup
Thanks to this victory, Inter will be able to participate in the next Club World Cup competition scheduled for August in 2024, which will provide the club with additional revenue as well as international prestige.
Salzburg, on the other hand, is mathematically out from the Champions League, but can still enter the knockout phase of the Europa League, and with Benfica still on zero points, qualification is within reach.
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