Lorenzo Bettoni in Florence brings you the three things you may have missed during last night’s Serie A clash between Fiorentina and Inter at the Stadio Franchi.
It was an incredible night of football in Florence, where the Nerazzurri secured a stunning 4-3 win over Fiorentina thanks to a late Henrikh Mkhitaryan winner after Luka Jovic had levelled the score at minute 90.
Football Italia was among the accredited media at the Artemio Franchi and brings you the three things you may have missed by watching the match on TV.
Not the same Curva Fiesole
Those accustomed to watching Fiorentina’s home games know that their fans, especially those of Curva Fiesole, are their ’12th man’. Well, last night it wasn’t exactly that, at least since Arthur Cabral scored the first goal of the night for the locals. Not many chants and a very quiet atmosphere welcomed the teams onto the pitch. Surely not what you would expect on a big Sere A night for the Tuscans. Perhaps, it’s no coincidence that Inter scored twice in the opening 15 minutes.
The good old Franchi returned around minute 30 when the Tuscans were awarded a penalty kick after a VAR check with Arthur Cabral, who showed up to convert it.
Handanovic an ‘added coach’
Inter captain Samir Handanovic was not fully fit, so he remained on the bench with André Onana between the sticks in Florence. ‘Handa’ was still very much involved and often spoke to Simone Inzaghi and his staff members, giving instructions to some of his teammates from the touchline.
The Slovenia international may no longer be a regular starter at Inter, but his love for the colours was evident last night even though he did not take to the pitch.
Tension during the game
The away end was not sold out. Some Inter ultras refused to enter the stadium because circa 140 tickets were not available, so not everyone was allowed to get in. This, at least, was the explanation from Curva Nord.
Simone Inzaghi’s boys didn’t lack support until the very end and were eventually rewarded by a late Mkhitaryan winner. As it always happens in Serie A, away supporters remained in the stadium for a solid 30 minutes after the final whistle to avoid contact with home fans outside the stadium. While waiting to get out, Inter fans mocked the local supporters singing ‘You’ll go back to Serie B.’
There was tension during the match, with several Inter fans in Fiorentina’s home sectors. A group of Tuscans’ was seen hitting a Nerazzurri supporter in the sector called ‘Maratona’, close to the away end, so local authorities could take action in the next few days.
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