Inter Blanks Sampdoria 2-0

Inter picked up a vital 2-0 win over Sampdoria in Serie A action at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris on Wednesday afternoon.

Rodrigo Palacio’s two goals were the difference as the Nerazzurri secured three valuable points in the race for a Europa League spot.

Inter started the game off with a bang, whipping up a good chance to open the scoring in just the third minute.

Palacio slipped behind the Samp back line and seemed like a good bet to round the goalkeeper and score but Sergio Romero dove at his feet and steered the striker off course.

It was a positive start for the visitors and moments later Antonio Cassano threaded in a beautiful pass for Jonathan but Romero snapped up his low cross.

Sampdoria was on the back foot but it recovered and was soon taking the game to Inter.

Nenad Krsticic unleashed a drive that Samir Handanovic did well to keep out before Jonathan slipped and gifted Mauro Icardi a golden opportunity but the Brazilian atoned for his error with a crucial block.

However, Inter regained its composure and took the lead against the run of play as Alvaro Pereira sent in a cross that Palacio headed past Romero.

It was 1-0 to the visitors, who almost doubled their lead before the half-time interval but Palacio sent his low shot wide of the target.

Samp came out strong to start the second half but Inter weathered the storm and did not give the home side much room to operate.

Chances were definitely at a premium in the second stanza as the Nerazzurri were content to sit back and soak up some pressure.

Samp pushed forward in waves desperately looking for a late equaliser but could not penetrate the Inter defence and the visitors punished the hosts late on when Palacio scored his secondgoal of the game in injury time.

Inter now move into fifth place with 50 points following the win over Sampdoria on Wednesday.