Inter Milan emerged victorious over a relegation-threatened Sampdoria with a 3-1 victory at the San Siro on Saturday night.
Fullback Danilo D’Ambrosio was first to strike on the end of Jeison Murillo’s flicked header in the 23rd minute.
João Miranda then recorded his first Serie A goal in the second-half to double the home side’s lead, shortly before Mauro Icardi coolly slotted his 11th of the season in a one-on-one with former Inter man Emiliano Viviano.
Journeyman Fabio Quagliarella got a stoppage time consolation for the Blucerchiati, but it was too late to undo the damage that had occurred in Milan, consigning Sampdoria to their sixth loss in eight matches, while Inter temporarily move into fourth place ahead of AS Roma.
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Biabiany stakes claim for starting role
Starting his first match of the year, Jonothan Biabiany impressed greatly with one of his best performances in a Nerazzurri shirt to date.
The Frenchman mesmerised Vincenzo Montella’s men down Inter’s right-flank, tormenting loanees Dodo and Andrea Ranocchia in particular with his blistering pace and direct running to forge multiple opportunities for the home side on his own.
A rare start for the former Parma man, Mancini may now face a selection headache on who to place on the right-wing, with Biabiany doing himself plenty of favours in convincing the coach to hand him a regular starting berth.
Unfocused start compounds Sampdoria
Admittedly Sampdoria began the match the better of the two, with fluid passing in midfield and numerous attacking chances created. So it obviously came as a crushing blow to the away side when Internazionale scored what was just their second goal in the opening half-hour of a Serie A match this season, severely diminishing any hopes of collecting something from the game.
Embroiled in a relegation battle, the Blucerchiati require focus from the first whistle if they are to stand a chance of retaining their Serie A status. The unwanted title of being the worst starters in the league – having conceded 15 goals in the opening half hour of matches – currently looms over them.
The Genoese club looked brighter than their opponents when moving forward in the opening exchanges, though the visitors were hurt by unorganised defending, Sampdoria may just posses what it takes to remain in Italy’s top-flight if they tighten up in defence.
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Different formation provides success for Mancini
Even at this stage of the season it appears the 51-year-old manager cannot settle on a preferred starting XI. Aside from the personnel, the formation being utilised by the Italian lately has been 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, though this has not resulted in much success over recent weeks.
A change to the four in midfield and two up front, with Eder playing in his preferred position alongside Icardi, harboured enough success for the Nerazzurri to claim a convincing victory, even if it was against a side sitting 17th in the table.
With Mancini seemingly so intent on starting Eder, playing a 4-4-2 may just prove to be the right formation to get the best out of some of his players.
Inter boast strength in depth
Mancini currently possesses a deep squad considering they are only competing in the league and momentarily the cup. Shipping some out on loan in the January transfer window was necessary and a move done to good effect, though some others who remained – despite being expected to be moved on – have endured the ire from Inter fans in seasons past.
Fullbacks D’Ambrosio and Yuto Nagatomo put in efficient shifts, and with three suspended going into this match Inter still managed to turn in a decent performance, even with the likes of Adem Ljajic, Stevan Jovetic and Juan Jesus available on the bench.
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