Serie A – What We Learned – Genoa 1 Inter Milan 0

Serie A – What We Learned – Genoa 1 Inter Milan 0

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Sebastian De Maio’s goal gifted the hosts a narrow victory against Roberto Mancini’s Champions League-chasing side.

Genoa have severely dented Inter’s Champions League hopes after defeating the Nerazzurri 1-0 at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris on Wednesday night.

With the game tied at 0-0, it was the French-born defender who broke the deadlock from close range following a 76th-minute Genoa corner.

Inter were made to rue the chances they spurned in the first half, as the Rossoblu held onto the three points, moving up to 10th in the process. Mancini’s side, meanwhile, are now seven points off third place with four games to go after AS Roma defeated Torino 3-2 at the Stadio Olimpico.

Handanovic still the hero for Inter

Without doubt the Nerazzurri’s best player in the first half of the campaign, Samir Handanovic once again put on a goalkeeping masterclass that almost kept his opponents at bay.

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The Slovenian’s immense quality between the sticks had not been required for some time prior to this fixture, however he showcased once more his importance to this Inter Milan side in the 90 minutes that followed. Were it not for the 31-year-old’s acrobatics, the Rossoblu may have had a more convincing victory.

The former Udinese man first prevented a Leonardo Pavoletti header hitting the back of the net, with Inter’s number one having to parry late as his vision was obstructed by the host of bodies in front of him. Following that were acrobatic stops from long shots produced by Panagiotis Tachtsidis and Cristian Ansaldi.

Lamanna excels in Perin’s absence

With Handanovic flourishing in this fixture, it must also be noted that Genoa’s second choice keeper was equally superb.

Giving nothing away the entire game, the 26-year-old further displayed his competence in goal as he made two smart stops from Ivan Perišic to ensure his side’s clean sheet remained. The second save, in particular, was one that showcased the Italian’s agility and remarkable reflexes when keeping the Croatian’s diving header from finding the back of the net.

Losing Mattia Perin is a monumental blow for Gian Piero Gasperini’s side, however Lamanna’s display in this encounter would be assurring to the 58-year-old manager.

Inter should now focus on next season

Reducing a seven point deficit with four games of the season remaining seems almost impossible. The fact Roma are undefeated in the league since January (away to Juventus) further highlights the improbability of the task.

Inter Milan now have nothing to play for in 2015-16. The Giallorossi’s current league position is virtually unattainable, and the only thing that can compound matters for Inter is if Fiorentina finish the season above them in fifth. Even despite this, it matters little if the Viola accomplish this feat.

Failure to get a result at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris should once again warn Mancini of where his problems lie and how to best address these issues in the coming transfer window. As well as this, the 51-year-old manager should now experiment with promising youngsters that have rarely been utilised in the first team such as Assane Gnoukouri and Rey Manaj.

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