MILAN, April 13 — Inter Milan moved to the brink of the Serie A title on Sunday after overturning a two-goal deficit to defeat Como 4-3 in a dramatic encounter, extending their lead to nine points over Napoli, who were held to a 1-1 draw at Parma.
MILAN, April 13 — Inter Milan moved to the brink of the Serie A title on Sunday after overturning a two-goal deficit to defeat Como 4-3 in a dramatic encounter, extending their lead to nine points over Napoli, who were held to a 1-1 draw at Parma.
After falling behind to goals from Alex Valle and rising star Nico Paz late in the first half, Inter appeared set to hand Napoli renewed hope in the title race.
However, Marcus Thuram reduced the deficit in stoppage time before the break, finishing Nicolo Barella’s cross, and struck again early in the second half after capitalising on a defensive mix-up between Como goalkeeper Jean Butez and Marc-Oliver Kempf.
Denzel Dumfries then completed the comeback, heading in Hakan Calhanoglu’s free-kick in the 58th minute before sealing the result 14 minutes later with a composed finish from Manuel Akanji’s knock-down at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia.
With six matches remaining, Inter hold a commanding advantage at the top, while Como’s two-month unbeaten run ended, leaving them just outside the Champions League places.
Despite the strong position, Inter midfielder Nicolo Barella urged caution when asked about the title, saying “let’s wait a little while,” while Dumfries echoed the sentiment.
“It was an important win, but every game is crucial and we must stay focused,” said Dumfries, who has spent much of the season sidelined through injury.
Como pushed until the end, with Lucas Da Cunha converting a late penalty after a foul on Nico Paz by Ange-Yoan Bonny, before Alberto Moreno struck the crossbar in stoppage time in a near-equaliser.
“Today my team showed me what they are capable of — playing with desire and courage,” said Como coach Cesc Fàbregas.
“Yes, we made mistakes. We are a young team, and against sides like this, you get punished. That is football.”
Juventus have now moved into Como’s former top-four spot, a setback for the newly promoted side after a strong season that saw Nico Paz shine with his 11th goal and an earlier assist in the match.
Como, owned by tobacco group Djarum since their takeover seven years ago, were still in Italy’s third tier at the time of acquisition and have never featured in European competition.
Napoli drop points
At Parma, Scott McTominay’s second-half equaliser earned Napoli a 1-1 draw that could prove costly in their bid for a third Scudetto in four seasons.
Antonio Conte’s side fell behind after just 36 seconds when Gabriel Strefezza finished a flowing move to stun the visitors.
Parma then sat deep and absorbed pressure effectively, frustrating Napoli even after McTominay restored parity on the hour mark.
A recent win over AC Milan had reignited Napoli’s title hopes, but Sunday’s results leave Inter needing only a dramatic collapse to surrender the crown.
“If you concede after 30 seconds, the game becomes much harder against a deep block,” said Conte.
“They defended well and countered effectively. I can’t fault my players for effort and commitment.”
Elsewhere, Parma sit level on 36 points with Genoa, who boosted their survival hopes with a 2-1 win over Sassuolo in a heated contest that saw both teams reduced to 10 men after a tunnel altercation.
Caleb Ekuban scored the late winner for Genoa, lifting them nine points clear of the relegation zone in 13th place. — AFP
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