Inter strike after 40 seconds through Pio Esposito but waste chances as Fiorentina fight back for a draw on Serie A Matchday 30.
Inter were held to a 1–1 draw by Fiorentina at the Stadio Franchi, missing a key opportunity in the title race as Napoli and Milan continue to close the gap.
The Nerazzurri made a dream start, taking the lead after just 40 seconds. Nicolò Barella delivered a perfect cross into the box, and Pio Esposito rose unmarked to head past David De Gea for an early advantage.
Inter looked in control in the opening stages and nearly doubled their lead soon after. Marcus Thuram broke down the flank and created another chance for Esposito, but De Gea reacted well to deny the young striker.
Barella even found the net himself minutes later, but his goal was ruled out for offside.
Fiorentina gradually grew into the match despite early defensive struggles. Moise Kean and Albert Gudmundsson both came close, while Brescianini added energy in midfield, helping the hosts push higher up the pitch.
The Viola’s persistence paid off in the 77th minute. Gudmundsson’s shot from distance was parried by Yann Sommer, but Cher Ndour reacted quickest to the rebound, slotting home the equalizer.
Inter had chances to reclaim the lead late on, with Manuel Akanji and Esposito both testing De Gea, but the Spanish goalkeeper stood firm to secure a valuable point for Fiorentina.
The result slows Inter’s momentum at the top of the table, with Napoli now seven points behind and Milan closing in at minus six.
For Fiorentina, the draw represents an important step in their fight to move away from the lower end of the standings.
Match Report
Fiorentina 1-1 Inter
Goals:
1’ Esposito (Inter), 77’ Ndour (Fiorentina)
Fiorentina (4-3-3):
De Gea; Dodò, Pongracic, Ranieri, Gosens; Brescianini, Fagioli (91’ Fabbian), Ndour; Parisi (69’ Harrison), Kean (86’ Piccoli), Gudmundsson (91’ Comuzzo).
Coach: Paolo Vanoli
Inter (3-5-2):
Sommer; Bisseck, Akanji, Carlos Augusto (46’ Acerbi); Dumfries (86’ Luis Henrique), Barella (82’ Sucic), Calhanoglu (68’ Frattesi), Zielinski, Dimarco; Pio Esposito, Thuram (68’ Bonny).
Coach: Cristian Chivu
Referee: Colombo
Yellow Cards: Carlos Augusto, Calhanoglu, Brescianini, Ndour, Barella, Kean
Red Cards: None
