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Bologna 1-3 Inter: Milito, Balotelli & Cambiasso See Nerazzurri Win In Style

Inter had no trouble dealing with a Bologna side who never really got going...

Nov 21, 2009 6:53:19 PM

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Bologna were outfought and outmuscled as Inter's class and experience came through in Serie A's 13th anticipo of the season.

Diego Milito opened the scoring from close range, but his side were instantly sent crashing back down to earth by Marcelo Zalayeta who equalised within a minute.

Mario Balotelli has come under heavy recrimination recently, but he responded in perfect fashion as he popped up with his head to send his side back in front. His goal silenced the critics and helped the champions continue their dominance at the top as the rest of the teams play catch up.

Esteban Cambiasso ensured the points were safe as he latched on to Milito's cross to bang one into the bottom left corner. The game ended on a sour note as Maicon was sent off in the final minute for protesting with the linesman.

The Renato Dall'Ara was unusually full on the night, but fans had to wait a few minutes as the referee delayed kick off after Walter Samuel had a problem with his boots. It was Inter who got the game started. However, they were pressed by the Emiliani who enjoyed the early exchanges with their opponents.

Inter were patient in their build up. Balotelli was allowed plenty of freedom on the ball. He beat Salvatore Lanna on the right and crossed for Dejan Stankovic who stole in at the back post, but missed the ball by whiskers.

Neither side appeared keen to go all out as they tested the waters. The early phases were a combination of build up, plenty of touches and a number of good tackles as both teams stayed tight and compact on each other.

As expected, it was the away side who were more dangerous when going forward. Thiago Motta fed Milito who was felled in the box by Roberto Guana, but referee Roberto Rosetti’s eagle eye saw nothing and he waved play on. Balotelli then claimed for a penalty after he was thrown to the ground by Miguel Britos, again it was turned down.

Inter had the game in hand and they dominated. Franco Colomba’s men couldn’t get close to the ball. They were happy to soak up the pressure and hit Jose Mourinho’s side on the break. It was risky tactics as they were often left open at the back.

Cristian Chivu tested Emiliano Viviano with a vicious left foot drive. It was awkward for the Italian Under-21 international goalkeeper as the ball bounced in front of him. Cambiasso was first to the rebound and crossed for Milito. He teed up Maicon, but the Brazilian blazed awfully over the bar. Viviano was then called into action again. This time by Thiago Motta who headed a corner towards goal, but the 'keeper was certain in his catching as he saved well.

Bologna looked laboured and struggled to get into the game. Zalayeta combined well with Adailton in a rare venture forward, but Lucio was there to clean up for his side.

After countless attempts, Milito finally broke the deadlock from close range. Maicon crossed from the corner well. Bologna failed to clear and ‘El Principe’ was there to turn the ball in from close range.
Celebrations were cut short though as Zalayeta equalised within a minute. Adailton pumped the ball forward for the former Juventus man. He controlled well and left Lucio and Samuel for dead. Julio Cesar tried to narrow the angle, but his efforts were futile as the hitman smashed the ball across him and into the top corner. The goals sparked both teams into life and the game turned lively.

Balotelli should have given his side the lead soon after. He was free in the box and only had Viviano to beat. He dummied the ‘keeper who fell for it, but he delayed the shot allowing the Italian to get back up and save it. Mourinho wasn’t too pleased as he leaped off the bench and punched the air in frustration.

There was then a rare moment as Stankovic fired on goal. The ball bounced, beating Viviano. It hit the far post, bounced off, hit the near post, and bounced back towards Cambiasso who lunged at it, but Viviano saved the day as he plucked the ball from would have been a certain goal.

The pressure paid off though as Balotelli made up for his earlier mistake. Maicon delivered the perfect corner and the Italian nodded home from close range just before half-time. It was his fourth goal of the campaign. However, his game ended there as he picked up a knock and was replaced by Samuel Eto'o for the second half.

Colomba's side tried to respond through Adailton. He fizzled a shot towards goal, only to see it take a deflection off Zalayeta and go wide. The Nerazzurri were keen to close up and see the game out as they maintained the ball for long spells.

Eto'o did well to feed Milito who should have settled the affair. He wriggled free and blazed the ball from close range, Viviano was well beaten, but the ball came crashing back off the crossbar.

Bologna's chase for an equaliser left them open. Milito took full advantage as he laid the ball perfectly for Cambiasso who buried it into the net with a left-foot strike to make the game safe.

The result sees Mourinho's side extend their lead at the top of the table to eight points over second-place Juventus who welcome Udinese to Turin Sunday.

Salvatore Landolina, Goal.com

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