Milan: Inter captain Mauro Icardi hit a brace and Ivorian Franck Kessie opened his AC Milan account as the northern giants matched Juventus’s winning start to the Serie A season with respective 3-0 victories on Sunday.
Left in the shade by Juventus for the past six seasons, both Inter and Milan are hoping to turn the tables and challenge for the scudetto on their way to claiming one of four Champions League places.
And neither of the San Siro giants disappointed on their way to going joint top of the table with Juventus, Napoli, Chievo, Sampdoria and Roma also sitting on three points following opening day victories.
Icardi bore the brunt of the blame for much of Inter’s disastrous campaign last season, which left them in seventh and out of Europe.
But at a packed San Siro and under the watchful eyes of new Inter coach Luciano Spalletti, the Argentina international made amends with a confident first-half brace that included a sixth-minute penalty after he was caught by Fiorentina defender Davide Astori on the edge of the area.
Icardi doubled Inter’s lead when he glanced a header past ‘keeper Marco Sportiello on the quarter hour as the hosts took command.
“They gave it everything for each other and really went out to win this game,” said Spalletti, who was awed by the sight of 50,000 fans having spent two seasons at a sparsely-attended Stadio Olimpico with Roma.
“Even when we arrived on the team bus it was packed. This is a strong signal (from the fans), and one the players have to assimilate.”
What was already a daunting task for Fiorentina coach Stefano Pioli, unceremoniously sacked by Inter with three games to play last season, looked now impossible. — AFP
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
