Marko Arnautovic’s second-half header helped Inter Milan close the gap on Serie A leaders Napoli, securing a 2-1 victory over Fiorentina at the San Siro on Monday.
The win moved Simone Inzaghi’s side to within a point of Napoli, who were held to a 1-1 draw by Udinese on Sunday.
Determined to capitalize on Napoli’s slip, Inter started the game on the front foot, coming close to an early lead when Carlos Augusto’s header from a corner rattled the post.
Just four minutes later, another corner caused trouble for Fiorentina, with Lautaro Martinez’s header crashing off the crossbar.
The breakthrough finally came in the 28th minute. Marin Pongracic, in an attempt to clear a dangerous Hakan Calhanoglu corner, inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, giving Inter the lead.
However, Fiorentina responded just before halftime. Matteo Darmian’s handball in the box allowed Rolando Mandragora to calmly convert from the penalty spot, leveling the score.
Seven minutes into the second half, Inter regained their lead through Arnautovic. Augusto delivered a pinpoint cross, which the substitute met with a powerful header that left David de Gea rooted to the spot.
Despite pressing for a third, Inter couldn’t extend their advantage, with Nicola Zalewski, Nicolo Barella, and Piotr Zielinski unable to beat De Gea in the closing stages.
Still, the Nerazzurri comfortably saw out the win, a result that underlined their title credentials.
Inter’s 22 attempts at goal doubled the tally from their previous league meeting with Fiorentina, showcasing their attacking intent.
This victory marked Inter’s second consecutive home win over Fiorentina, a feat they last achieved between 2016 and 2018 with three straight victories.
Inzaghi’s team now boasts 10 headed goals in Serie A this season, only trailing Atalanta’s 11, with Arnautovic’s match-winning header adding to that tally.
The Austrian forward has been directly involved in two goals in his last two appearances at the San Siro, after going without a league goal since his brace against Hellas Verona on May 26, 2024.
