Late penalty salvages point for Inter Milan

A first-half goal by Simone Verdi seemed enough to push Bologna to a 1-0 victory over Inter Milan Tuesday night at the Renato Dall’Ara.

But, a penalty in the 77^th minute by Mauro Icardi preserved a point for the Nerazzurri as Inter escaped with a 1-1 draw.

Inter maintained their undefeated streak at four games this season and nine in a row — including preseason matchups.

The penalty came at an opportune time for the Nerazzurri after Verdi netted the go-ahead goal in the 31^st minute and Inter’s offense looked lackluster in the first half.

Bologna took control in the first 15 minutes of the game, peppering Inter goalkeeper Samir Handanovic with three shots on goal.

In the 29^th minute, Federico Di Francesco took a set piece free kick from just outside the area, but Handanovic pushed the ball out and it was cleared from danger.

Inter seemed to lack any kind of sustained attack as deliveries from the wings were either off-target or too hard.

Verdi nearly had his second in the 36^th minute, but his blast was deflected out of danger.

The Nerazzurri had other opportunities, but attempts were light in the touch or well off target. Bologna continued to crowd the wings preventing any solid passing from Ivan Perisic or Danilo D’Ambrosio. Unfortunately, Vecino, Borja Valero or Joao Mario could do little to free up the wings from the midfield.

Inter had their best chance of the half in the 45^th minute when Perisic found Mauro Icardi streaking toward the goal, but the striker’s outstretched boot could not connect with the Croatian’s cross from the left side.

In the 49^th minute, Bologna had its first threat at goal, but Verdi placed the free kick under the wall and wide right of the goal.

Icardi had a second attempt at the goal a minute later, but his header delivery was over the crossbar.

Inter started to pick up pace offensively by threatening with three corners in the first 10 minutes of the half. However, Bologna’s defense was able to shut the Nerazzurri offense down.

Joao Miranda nearly delivered the equalizer, but the corner delivery went behind him. Perisic was unable to connect with the deflection, but Inter earned a third corner in a row. About 45 seconds later, Milan Skriniar blasted a shot that Mirante fielded with a leap.

Godfrey Donsah had Bologna’s best chance early in the half but his right-footed delivery sailed well over the crossbar in the 66^th minute.

A minute later, Éder — who subbed in in the 50^th minute — had a glancing header off a cross from Perisic that went wide of the net.

Then, in the 75^th minute, Inter Milan was awarded a penalty after Éder was tripped up in the box by Ibrahima Mbaye. Icardi leveled the game from the spot.

Internazionale will return to the San Siro on Sept. 26 to host Genoa. Kickoff for the game is slated for 9 a.m. (ET).

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Box Score

Serie A

Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2017

At Renato Dall’Ara (Bologna)

Inter Milan 1, Bologna 1

Bologna 1 0 — 1

Inter 0 1 — 1

Goals: Simone Verdi (31’) BOLO assisted by Bruno Petkovic; Mauro Icardi (77’ Pen) INT

Cautions: Andrea Poli (20’) BOLO; Borja Valero (29’) INT; Adam Masina (43’) BOLO; Bruno Petkovic (77’) BOLO; Antonio Mirante (80’) BOLO; Éder (85’) INT; Nagatomo (90’+2) INT;

BOLOGNA: Mirante (GK), Gonzalez, Pulgar, Petkovic (Okwonkwo 88’) Verdi, Di Francesco (Palacio 74’), Mbaye, Poli (Taider 72’), Helander, Masina, Donsah.

Bench: Da Costa, Ravaglia, Nagy, Krafth, De Maio, Taider, Destro, Crisetig, Brignani, Palacio, Okwonkwo, Frabotta.

Coach: Roberto Donadoni

INTER: Handanovic (GK), Icardi, J. Mario (Éder 50’), Vecino, B. Valero (Gagliardini 86’), Miranda, D'Ambrosio, Skriniar, Perisic, Nagatomo, Candreva (Brozovic 81’).

Bench: Padelli, Berni, Gagliardini, Ranocchia, Karamoh, Santon, Eder, Dalbert, Vanheusden, Brozovic, Pinamonti.

Coach: Luciano Spalletti

Referee: Di Bello

Assistants: Crispo, Posado

Fourth Official: Banti

VAR Operators: Mariani, Vuoto

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