Antonio Candreva gave Inter a 1-0 lead at the break in Ferrara, but can’t relax just yet as SPAL were threatening to equalise, calling for a penalty right before half-time.
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Inter had to big chances early on and set the standard for the game. Lautaro Martinez almost reached a flick on from Roberto Gagliardini at the far post on a corner, before Marcelo Brozovic clipped the post with an effort cutting the grass on the way to the goal.
Gagliardini was inspiring at the start, running on every ball, trying to get his head on Christian Eriksen’s crosses. Inter looked comfortable and eventually took the lead through Antonio Candreva, who was at the end of a great combination of play.
Alexis Sanchez received the ball in the middle, as Inter came with four men against three and just span to flick it onto an unmarked Candreva, who made no mistakes one-on-one with the goalkeeper.
Inter seemed to be in control and pushed for more, with Sanchez heavily involved in every build-up, but it was SPAL who had the last call for a decision.
Strefezza was brought down by Samir Handanovic, after having been played through by Cerri. The goalkeeper didn’t make any contact before the SPAL man had already attempted to finish and no penalty was given, but VAR had to be consulted.
Inter lead 1-0 at the break and should be in a comfortable position coming out after the break.
SPAL 0-1 Inter
Candreva 36 (I)
SPAL (4-4-2): Letica; Sala, Vicari, Bonifazi, Reca; Murgia, Valdifiori, Dabo, Strefezza; Cerri, Petagna
Inter (3-5-1-2): Handanovic; Skriniar, Ranocchia, Bastoni; Candreva, Brozovic, Gagliardini, Biraghi; Eriksen; Alexis Sanchez, Lautaro Martinez
Referee: Giua