Ivan Perisic netted his first goal in 112 days, but it wasn’t enough for Inter as Sergio Pellissier’s late equalizer secured an unlikely 1-1 draw for Chievo on Saturday.
Three points would have padded the Nerazzurri’s hold on third place in the standings, and they looked certain for a result after the Croatian netted before the close of the first half.
However with the match seemingly decided, Inter’s backline fell asleep, and it allowed Sergio Pellissier to net deep into injury time to secure an unlikely point for the bottom feeders.
Chievo needed less than a minute to test Samir Handanovic. Riccardo Meggiorini fired a half-volley that bounced just in front of the Slovenian, who calmly dealt with it.
From there the first half fell into a lull, and it wasn’t until the 28th minute that Inter fired a shot on goal. Danilo D’Ambrosio’s cross found Mauro Icardi, and his first time shot was parried away by Stefano Sorrentino, while Radja Nainggolan fired the rebound over the bar.
The deadlock was broken in the 39th minute after some great work Perisic. The Croatian started things with a dummy for Icardi, and after following his run, he tapped home D’Ambrosio’s cross with fury from close range.
It could have been 2-0 before half-time, but Joao Mario was just late in reaching Perisic’s rolled cross, and he could only put it wide of the goal.
An Icardi give and go with Perisic after the restart sent the Argentine in on goal, and after skipping his way past the defender, an excellent save from Sorrentino kept the ball out of the back of the net.
Chievo responded with a chance of their own. The ball fell for Pellissier, but Handanovic was up to the challenge to deny him from in close.
With the match headed for an Inter win, the Flying Donkeys managed to find an unlikely equalizer thanks to their talisman.
A long ball was flicked on for Pellissier, and with Handanovic rushing out to charge him down, the Italian lobbed it over and into the back of the net to send both sides home with a share of the spoils.
Perisic returns to the forefront
After a dream summer at the World Cup in Russia, the Croatian has failed to deliver so far this campaign – much to the concern of Nerazzurri supporters.
However Saturday’s contest could prove a turning point for Perisic, who netted his first Serie A goal in 112 days and 33 shots according to Opta Paolo.
Chievo’s Serie A stay nearing its end
The Flying Donkeys looked toothless in attack for much of the contest, and while Pellissier’s late goal secured an unlikely point, it’s easy to see why they sit bottom of the standings.
With no wins to their name after 17 matches, they sit nine points back of the final spot to stay in Serie A. Safe to say Chievo’s time in Serie A looks to be coming to an end.
Source: forzaitalianfootball.com