Antonelli adds to Mazzarri’s misery
Luca Antonelli scored the only goal of the game as Genoa recorded a 1-0 win over hapless Inter at the Luigi Ferraris yesterday afternoon.
The defender rose to meet a well-worked corner with seven minutes remaining, ending the Rossoblu’s run of 16 competitive matches without a win over the Nerazzurri.
Walter Mazzarri’s men were frustrated by a tenacious performance from the hosts, and saw a number of chances go begging on a sodden pitch.
Consequently, Inter remain winless in 2014, having lost three games and drawn one since the turn of the year, scoring just once in the process.
Genoa boss Gian Piero Gasperini, who came into this game having never previously beaten his former team, made six alterations to the side thumped 4-0 by Roma last weekend, including a return for ex-AC Milan striker Alberto Gilardino following his recent suspension.
Former Genoa hitman Diego Milito was the only new face for the visitors, as they sought to improve on their recent poor form in front of goal.
Despite the difficult conditions, the visitors made a high-tempo start, with Ricky Alvarez racing behind Genoa’s defence before unleashing a low drive that was smartly saved by Mattia Perin at the near post.
Perin was called into action again to keep out a stinging effort from Jonathan after 10 minutes, as Inter pressed for an early opening.
The Brazilian wasted another good opportunity just before the 20-minute mark, lashing Milito’s clipped ball inside the box across goal and wide.
The visitors were dealt a blow when Alvarez limped off injured, but should have been ahead soon after through Rodrigo Palacio, who robbed the ball from Luca Antonini before bursting into the box and firing wide.
Genoa did manage a couple of flashes at goal before the half-hour mark.
Andrea Bertolacci whistled a speculative half-volley just wide, before Stefano Sturaro saw his goal-bound effort slowed by a puddle, leaving Samir Handanovic with a simple save.
The Slovenian was tested again five minutes before the break, palming away Giovanni Marchese’s close-range header after Inter struggled to deal with a well-worked corner.