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January 7, 2012 2:45 PM EST
Stadio Giuseppe Meazza — Milano
Referee: A. Giannoccaro
Attendance: 37326
Inter
Inter
Parma
Parma
Inter 5-0 Parma: Masterful Milito sends Ranieri's side to within three points of Champions League spots
The Argentina international put in a magnificent performance as the hosts romped to fifth straight Serie A victory
By Adam Wheeler
Claudio Ranieri's men were always in control, and had taken the lead by the 12th minute, thanks to Milito's close range effort, the hosts then doubled their tally through a fantastic strike from Motta, before Milito grabbed his second of the night with a powerful header on the stroke of half time to give the Nerazzurri a three goal lead going into the break.
Pazzini then grabbed the fourth ten minutes into the second half, before Faraoni completed the rout with a superb volley with just over ten minutes to go.
The match began with the hosts controlling the play, but struggling to create any real opportunities. However in the 12th minute, they took the lead through a poacher's finish from Milito as a great cross from Ricardo Alvarez found the Argentina international at the front post, who made no mistake in poking the ball past Antonio Mirante.
Then just before the 20 minute mark Inter doubled its lead through a fantastic strike from Motta. After Milito saw his powerful drive blocked, the ball fell to the former Barcelona midfielder whose first time drive left Mirante with no chance.
Minutes later and the visitors missed a glorious opportunity to get themselves back into the game when former Inter winger Jonathan Biabiany burst past Maicon before producing a fabulous cross for the unmarked Sebastian Giovinco, but the former Juventus forward’s tame header sailed harmlessly wide.
Just before the half hour mark, Giovinco went close again, but the Italy international's swerving free kick was denied through a great save from Julio Cesar.
Then just before half time the Nerazzurri struck again. A fantastic cross from Maicon on the right flank found Milito in the center of the area, with the former Genoa striker’s powerful header flying straight into the top corner.
The second half began, with the hosts still dominating the game, and in the 56th minute they grabbed their fourth of the evening through Pazzini. A great ball from Milito put the former Sampdoria striker through on goal, and he made easy work of lifting the ball over Mirante to kill the game off.
The game then began to slow down, with chances at a premium. However in the 70th minute Giovinco almost grabbed a consolation goal for Parma after a magnificent solo run. The Italy international fired in a low drive from the edge of the box, but the forward’s effort went inches past the post.
Then with just over ten minutes to go, the Nerazzurri made it five through a fantastic strike from substitute Faraoni. The youngster smashed in a great volley from the edge of the area to grab his first goal for Inter.
This result sees Inter pick up its fifth straight victory in Serie A. The Nerazzurri will now hope to maintain their impressive run in next week's derby with AC Milan, while Parma will hope for an improved result when it welcomes Siena in the next round of Serie A.
Goal
Own Goal
Penalty
Penalty Missed
Yellow Card
Assist
Penalty Save
Penalty Shootout Goal
Penalty Shootout Miss
Yellow Card / Red Card
Red Card
Substitution IN
Substitution OUT
Injury
Goal.com Rating
Goal.com Man of the Match
Goal.com Flop of the Match
Top & Flop Global Ranking
Fans' Man of the Match
Fans' Flop of the Match
| Player | Goals | Penalties | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Striker Milan |
28 | 10 |
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Diego Alberto Milito
Striker Inter |
24 | 8 |
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Antonio Di Natale
Striker Udinese |
23 | 4 |
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Edinson Cavani
Striker Napoli |
23 | 3 |
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R. Palacio
Striker Genoa |
19 | 3 |
