When Leonardo took over from Rafa, all the Italian press repeatedly pointed out that Inter was 12 points back of AC Milan in the title race. Well after beating Cesena 3-2, that lead has been cut in half and Inter still have a game in hand over its other title rivals.
This was ended up a lot closer than it seemed it was going to be when Inter went two up within the first 15 minutes.
First Eto’o cut in from the left, played a return pass with Milito and shot in from right of the box. Eto’o then turned creator a minute later. He picked out Goran Pandev in the area and Pandev squared across the face of goal for Milito to tap in.
The joy was short-lived for Milito who had to be substituted shortly after scoring, when he appeared to strain a muscle. Biabiany came on to replace him.
But credit to Cesena in that they didn’t give up and Bogdani pulled a goal back in the 23rd when Ceccarelli chipped the ball into Bogdani who controlled it on his chest, turned, and shot low into the corner of the goal.
Then six minutes later we were amazingly all tied up. Luis Jiminez played the ball over the Inter defense and Giaccherini ran on and volleyed past Castellazzi. I could not believe that Inter had thrown away a two goal lead within 15 minutes.
But Chivu came to Inter’s rescue before the half when he headed in Maicon’s cross at the near post.
In the second half, Inter had numerous chances to out the game away but didn’t. First Eto’o hit the bar and later Maicon had a good shot saved by Antonioli.
So five wins in five for Leonardo, but this was a harder win than it should have been. This is not the first time that Inter have had an opportunity to kill off an opponent and instead have let them back into the game and they need to develop a stronger killer instinct if Inter is going to win some trophies this season.
