On The Continent: Inter Cruz Towards Scudetto

INTER CRUZ TOWARDS THE TITLE
Internazionale went into their weekend game at Torino knowing that a win would all but seal the Scudetto. Their closest rivals Roma conceded a late goal at home to lowly Livorno to end the game with a draw, putting the Giallorossi three points behind Inter before the leaders played their game in hand. With only four games remaining, it would be Inter's league to lose should they defeat Torino and move six points clear at the top of Serie A.

Inter were missing some big names for the clash at the Stadio Olimpico in Turin. Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Luis Figo have both succumbed to long-term injuries, whilst Patrick Vieira was forced to sit out a suspension. Nevertheless, Inter still went into the game as big favourites, particularly in context of their away record against Torino - February 1994 was the last time Inter lost to the Granata in Turin. Add to that the suspension of Torino's ex-Inter forward, Alvaro Recoba, as well as David Di Michele, and the result seemed inevitable.

However, it was Torino who came out of the blocks the quickest. Motta was guilty of some wayward finishing on several occasions when well placed, whilst Stellone and Rosina narrowly missed the target with long-range efforts. Inter were very much on the defensive and were fortunate not to be at least one goal behind.

As happens so many times in such situations, just as Torino failed to capitalise on all of their chances, Inter were able to convert their first shot on goal. The goal came on 30 minutes from a Balotelli corner. Julio Cruz managed to lose his marker and head home at the near post.