Claudio Ranieri’s reign as Inter Milan coach got off to the best possible start as his side registered their first victory of the season at Bologna FC, while city rivals AC Milan also won against Cesena.
Ranieri took over from Gian Piero Gasperini on Thursday following Inter’s winless start to the 2011/12 season, and it seemed another disappointing result might be in the offing for Inter when Alessandro Diamante’s penalty cancelled out Giampaolo Pazzini’s opening strike. However, Bologna were reduced to 10-men when Archimede Morleo was sent off after giving away a penalty in the 81st minute, from which Diego Milito put Inter back in front. Lucio rounded off the scoring three minutes from time as Inter picked up their first three points of the season at the fourth attempt.
AC Milan also picked up their first Serie A victory of the season. With Pato, Zlatan Ibrahimović, Robinho and Kevin-Prince Boateng all out injured, veteran Clarence Seedorf took on the scoring responsibilities for the defending champions, scoring the winner after just five minutes with a terrific curling shot.
Milan almost doubled their lead midway through the first half when Urby Emanuelson’s shot was deflected off Steve von Bergen before going out. Mario Yepes and Antonio Cassano both tried their luck before the latter missed a chance to make it 2-0 when he failed to get a touch on a low cross from Ignazio Abate.
Milan continued to spurn chances in the second half, Seedorf firing over the bar and soon after Ravaglia producing a good save from Cassano’s shot from the right. The Cesena keeper continued to thwart the hosts saving from Urby Emanuelson and Cassano but Milan held on for the victory.
Elsewhere, Napoli dropped points for the second match running, after being held to a goalless draw at home by Fiorentina. Both the Partenopei and the Viola move on to seven points, two above champions Milan, with Inter a point further adrift.
