12/04/2003

Inzaghi Guides Milan Past Inter

A second-half strike from Filippo Inzaghi handed Milan a richly deserved win over Inter in the derby.

Once again Juventus were the ones left smiling as a victory in their match against Bologna will see them move eight points clear at the top of Serie A.

On six minutes Francesco Toldo had to be on his mettle to tip over a long-range shot from Gernnaro Gattuso.

The former Fiorentina keeper then had to be alert when clearing a long-ball from the back with Filippo Inzaghi closing in.

On 17 minutes Manuel Rui Costa came so close to his first Serie A goal for Milan. His header from Serginho's corner was cleared off the line by Javier Zanetti.

Emre had Inter's first real chance and should have done better than shoot straight at Dida from inside the box.

As Inter stepped up a notch Emre fired wide. But not long after the impressive Andriy Shevchenko fired a powerful effort over the bar. Serginho then dragged an effort wide from the left side of the box. He looked in two minds on whether to cross or shoot.

At the other end Luigi Di Biagio stung the fingers of Dida. Milan, though, were looking the more effective side and a superb Marco Materazzi tackle prevented Shevchenko getting a shot away after a barnstorming run into the box.

Six minutes into the second-half Toldo denied Inzaghi after the Milan striker had got into the box and nutmegged Cannavaro. Shortly after there was controversy when Maldini had to be stretchered off after being struck by a Vieri elbow. Martin Laursen was introduced.

After Toldo had gathered a shot from the somewhat disappointing Serginho, Materazzi twice denied Shevchenko who always looked dangerous.

On 62 minutes came the decisive moment. Rui Costa, who enjoyed a good second-half, found Inzaghi just inside the area. The former Juventus striker fired the ball first time into Toldo's bottom right corner. The fox in the box indeed.

Rui Costa then went on a super run down the right, only to scuff his final shot.

Ivan Cordoba perhaps denied Inter any chance they had of getting back into the game on 67 minutes when he was deservedly sent-off for a reckless challenge on Serginho who later had to be substituted. Pure frustration from the Colombian.

But the Nerazzurri weren't out of it, and Recoba forced a fingertip save from Dida with a vicious curling effort.

At the other end Shevchenko muscled his way into the box, but after a superb run, he shot wide.

Recoba, who had little impact on the game, produced another good save from Dida with a fierce low effort, before a flurry of substitutions which saw Rivaldo, Gabriel Batistuta and Carlos Gamarra introduced.

The final goal mouth action saw a Shevchenko shot deflected into Toldo's arms, but the Rossoneri fully deserved this win against an Inter side whose final ball was often very poor. Their need for a quality playmaker was once again apparent.
 

[SoccerAge.com]