Highlights of Inter’s 2-2 Draw with Lugano

Though the last season of football ended only days ago with Italy’s dramatic victory at Wembley, it’s already time for preparations for the 2021/22 campaign to begin. Simone Inzaghi’s reign in Milan began with victory in the Lugano Region Cup over FC Lugano. Inter needed a penalty shootout to conquer to Swiss side after a 2-2 draw in regulation. The Nerazzurri stumbled to a 2-0 deficit after only 35 minutes but regained its footing thanks to goals from Danilo D’Ambrosio and youth product Martin Satriano. Andrea Ranocchia scored the decisive penalty in the shootout after an Andrei Radu save gave Inter the advantage.

Starting XI - (3-5-2) : Handanovic (Radu 61’); D’Ambrosio (Zanotti 78‘), Ranocchia, Dimarco; Darmian (Carboni 89‘), Gagliardini, Agoumé, Nainggolan (Nunziatini, 81’), Dalbert (Skriniar 61‘); Satriano (Colidio 78‘), Pinamonti.

Inzaghi’s debut lineup was far from first choice with all of Inter’s internationals still on a deserved vacation. There were five new faces on display; Federico Dimarco started on the left of the back three, Lucien Agoume held down the center of midfield, and Martin Satriano partnered Pinamonti up top. Radja Nainggolan and Dalbert also started but are expected to leave Milan sooner rather than later.

The main takeaway from Saturday’s action, however, had more to do with what Inter wore rather than how it played. The 2021/22 home kit made its debut and looks even better in action than the pictures showed.

Inter continues its preseason tour in the United States next weekend at the Florida Cup. The Nerazzurri are set to take on Arsenal Sunday in the semifinal and either Everton or Millonarios the following Wednesday.