Serpents of Madonnina - Inter Milan vs. Atalanta, Sunday, Nov. 19, 2:45 p.m. (ET)An Inter Milan community.2017-11-20T17:00:02+01:00http://www.serpentsofmadonnina.com/rss/stream/164338312017-11-20T17:00:02+01:002017-11-20T17:00:02+01:00Inter 2-0 Atalanta - Five Takeaways
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<figcaption>Inter players celebrate their win over Atalanta | Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>A professional display sees Inter winning the battle of the Nerazzurris</p> <p class="p--has-dropcap" id="oVGBed">The prime-time kick-off on this matchday saw the battle of the Nerazzurris – Inter and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/atalanta">Atalanta</a>. Inter put on a competent display on Sunday night which might not have wowed like the 7-1 result in the corresponding fixture last season, but did go on to demonstrate this team's mental fortitude. Here are the key takeways from the match: </p>
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<cite>Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Spalletti's tactical adjustment at half-time played a crucial role in the improved second half display</figcaption>
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<p id="JvaikG"><strong>1. Spalletti's tactical acumen </strong></p>
<p id="vaFxSQ">The first half of this game was pretty even in both possession and quality of chances created. The second half showed why Spalletti is such a high-quality tactician. A small adjustment in midfield where Borja Valero and Matias Vecino somewhat swapped positions as the Uruguayan played further forward and the Spaniard dropped back to add more poise to the attack which looked somewhat rushed in the first half. Gagliardini and Valero seemed to strike a good understanding and were able to find the right passes from deep in their own half. It was good to see Spalletti using half-time to effect this change, small as it might be as Inter's second half display was definitely a step up.</p>
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<p id="hqUqne"><strong>2. Inter's over-reliance on Icardi</strong></p>
<p id="AXrYVZ"><span>Mauro Icardi</span> with his 13 goals, has contributed over half of the 25 goals Inter have scored as a team. Inter's reliance on Icardi as their lead scorer is higher than any other team in Serie A. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/lazio">Lazio</a> come closest with <span>Ciro Immobile</span> contributing around 47% of Biancocelesti's goals. As a comparison, Napoli and Juve's leading scorers contribute 29% and 32% of their team's total goals. There was a moment in this game when Icardi was seen wincing after feeling contact. Every time Inter's captain goes into heavy challenges, Spalletti and all Nerazzurri faithful look on nervously.</p>
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<cite>Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Icardi has scored more than half of Inter's goals this season</figcaption>
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<p id="4RsWU8">Come January, Spalletti and Inter will have to decide if Eder and youngsters such as Pinamonti are adequate. As this season represents Inter's best chance in a long time for getting back into the Champions League, the new owners will have to evaluate the pros and cons of acquiring a striker this January. As long as Icardi is in form and is fit, this will not be an issue but if one or the other change, Inter will likely find themselves in a tight spot. </p>
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<p id="2v6rfU"><strong>3. Professional Inter capitalize on other results </strong></p>
<p id="biorHg">In the previous matchday, Inter could not take advantage of <a href="https://www.thesirenssong.com/">Napoli's</a> draw against Chievo as <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/torino">Torino</a> held Inter to a frustrating draw as well. This weekend saw all of Inter's direct rivals in difficult fixtures. Roma beat Lazio in the Rome derby, Napoli bested Milan at the San Paolo, and <a href="https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/">Juventus</a> came up against a determined <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/sampdoria">Sampdoria</a> who beat the champions 3-2. The stage was set for Inter to claim victory and climb up to second. In seasons past, this team would have fluffed their lines and drawn or lost by playing like headless chickens. But this season, there is a renewed tactical awareness in the team and they have already shown they are made of sterner stuff. Tonight's win was another feather in that cap as the team put on a professional display that was more than enough to claim all three points while not necessarily blowing away the opposition. The team seems to find a way to win even when not firing on all cylinders and this is extremely pleasing as it is something all champion teams display in copious amounts. Inter find themselves in second place. </p>
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<p id="SEZeUI"><strong>4. First clean sheet in a while </strong></p>
<p id="SuX9PX">While no one would necessarily be worried about Inter's defense, the backline had not kept a clean sheet for three games in a row. One of those games (against Torino) also cost Inter two points. One has to go back to the Napoli game on October 21st for the last clean sheet. Tonight, the defense seemed a little more intent on not conceding anything. This was exemplified by Handanovic's courageous save against Andrea Petagna in the second half. Even though Atalanta did have a few opportunities, Skriniar, Miranda, and D'Ambrosio did well overall to smother whatever the Atalanta forwards could muster. The clean sheet will please Spalletti no end, and for those keeping track, Inter have six clean sheets for the season thus far. In comparison, Inter had eight clean sheets in all of last season and none after February.</p>
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<cite>Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Milan Skriniar and the rest of Inter's backline had their sixth clean sheet of the season</figcaption>
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<p id="7zToBF">Related to our clean sheet, a quick mention on Inter's number 33 who had an outstanding game. His performances this season are a classic case study of Spalletti's ability to make the most of what he has to work with. As someone once said, an expert chef is one who can walk into any kitchen and whip up a delicious meal with whatever ingredients are at hand! </p>
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<p id="de8Rfj"><strong>5. No hangover from Monday night </strong></p>
<p id="uSImLj">There was some fear about the impact of Monday night's Italy result would have on the Italian contingent in the squad. Would the fans continue to flock to the stadium in the same number as before? Antonio Candreva, one of those who played on Monday, had a decent game, even if nothing spectacular. Most pleasing was the response he got on 72 minutes when he was being substituted. The San Siro gave a warm applause to their man who reciprocated the gesture. It was great to see that there was no extension of the national team's failure to the rapport between players at the club level. </p>
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<cite>Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Antonio Candreva and his compatriots did not suffer much of an international hangover following Monday's game against Sweden</figcaption>
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<p id="7mflFi">What's more, the San Siro had over 52,000 people for tonight's game and Inter continues to be the best supported club in Italy when measured as a function of average stadium attendance. After Inter went 2-0 up, the crowd was as raucous as ever, showing that none of the passion has been lost. </p>
<p class="c-end-para" id="2quvJd">So, overall a good weekend overall for Inter (<a href="https://www.serpentsofmadonnina.com/">Inter Milan</a>) and one that sees them in second place, two points off leaders Napoli. The next two games should see Inter favored picking up six points before the big one at the J-Stadium. Forza Inter! </p>
https://www.serpentsofmadonnina.com/2017/11/20/16677266/inter-beat-atalanta-battle-of-nerazzurris-five-takeawaysSanat Talmaki2017-11-20T14:06:29+01:002017-11-20T14:06:29+01:00Inter 2-0 Atalanta: Player Ratings
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<figcaption>Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Mauro Icardi has gone back to not being human.</p> <p class="p--has-dropcap" id="yse57U">Two weeks on from the disappointing draw against <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/torino">Torino</a>, Inter reclaimed second spot in the Serie A table by defeating <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/atalanta">Atalanta</a> 2-0 at San Siro. Matt Clark’s match recap can be found by clicking <a href="https://www.serpentsofmadonnina.com/2017/11/19/16676930/icardis-brace-leads-inter-milan-to-2-0-win-over-atalanta">here</a>, while below you can read our player ratings from another successful night for the <em>Nerazzurri</em>.</p>
<p id="WmG9MF"><strong>Starting XI</strong></p>
<p id="AIRohT"><strong>Samir Handanovic - 6.5</strong></p>
<p id="382Xcc">Thankfully Samir didn’t have to do too much this evening, restricted to ‘normal’ saves on Hateboer in the first half and Petagna in the second. But whenever he’s needed, he’s there. Clean sheet number six of the season for him.</p>
<p id="0mdekN"><span><strong>Danilo D’Ambrosio</strong></span><strong> - 7.5</strong></p>
<p id="vjES4w">Underneath the mountain of criticism Gian Piero Ventura received last week for not starting <span>Lorenzo Insigne</span> in either of Italy’s playoff matches against Sweden, he did also receive a little criticism for having left D’Ambrosio out of both matchday squads. That is testament to how much more highly he is rated now than he was around 18 months ago, and the change in public opinion is fully justified.</p>
<p id="Yi8sRe">It’s difficult to remember a better performance in an Inter shirt. Quality and quantity in abundance on the right wing, capped off by his magnificent assist for Icardi’s second goal. Always committed to the cause and indefatigable from a physical point of view. Chapeau.</p>
<p id="2WMcZc"><strong>Milan Skriniar - 7</strong></p>
<p id="RJfdIa">Copy and paste whatever we’ve said about him after any of the other 12 games this season. Again he did everything and again he did everything well; if he wasn’t the signing of the summer in Serie A then I’d like to know who was.</p>
<p id="8vBmJc"><strong>Miranda - 7</strong></p>
<p id="9XkECO">One of his best performances all season, if not the best. Ilicic spent the entire match trying to open up space for a shot on his left foot and Miranda on almost all occasions prevented him from doing that; much, much better than in recent weeks. Let’s hope it’s not a flash in the pan.</p>
<p id="JkouPV">Having said that there was one mistake Miranda made in this match: he didn’t get himself booked. Now he’ll be walking a very nervy disciplinary tightrope against Chievo next Sunday - pick up a yellow card in that match and he’ll be suspended for the Derby d’Italia the week after...</p>
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<cite>Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="9csMhJ"><span><strong>Davide Santon</strong></span><strong> - 6</strong></p>
<p id="HjxeIT">The superlative praise Spalletti reserved for him during his press conference gave us a pretty good idea of who’d be starting at left-back on Sunday, and sure enough Santon was awarded his first start of the season. And all things considered, he repaid his coach’s faith in him: nothing flashy but nothing disastrous either. Bentornato Davide.</p>
<p id="6CH7Dm"><strong>Matias Vecino - 6</strong></p>
<p id="sTXxSg">For once he looked like a conventional defensive midfielder, instead of the rampant jack of all trades who constantly rotates between three different positions throughout the match (for a more in-depth look at this aspect of Vecino’s game, look out for the piece we’re publishing on him later in the week). He didn’t catch the eye but he did his bit.</p>
<p id="kwVpEw"><span><strong>Roberto Gagliardini</strong></span><strong> - 6</strong></p>
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<cite>Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="xBtIiW">Atalanta will never be an opponent like all of the others for him and perhaps it affected him subconsciously. Like in the match against Verona before the international break (and to a lesser extent against Torino) his passing was inaccurate, despite never playing at a particularly high tempo. But even when he’s misplacing passes he helps the team maintain a certain degree of balance. Decent overall.</p>
<p id="T6oQ1M"><span><strong>Antonio Candreva</strong></span><strong> - 6.5</strong></p>
<p id="B3AsZI">Unlike against Sweden on Monday his crossing was mostly precise and pertinent, culminating in the assist for Icardi’s opening goal. Castagne and Cristante gradually got to grips with him as the game went on but he still contributed more than enough. One of Inter’s most in-form players in this phase of the season.</p>
<p id="ZiS7vD"><span><strong>Borja Valero</strong></span><strong> - 6.5</strong></p>
<p id="pxyenG">An unsuccessful first half, in which he failed to influence Inter’s build-up play in the manner he normally does, followed by an impressive second half. Borja will never be left on the bench for as long as he has two fully-functioning legs and tonight was another demonstration of why. Class.</p>
<p id="TR2uxm"><strong>Ivan Perisic - 6</strong></p>
<p id="DMN9tQ">Another game in which Ivan didn’t offer much going forward, at least not until he almost smashed in a third goal in stoppage time. But nowadays he’s helpful even when he’s not tearing defences apart; always diligent in defence. ‘A humble champion’, as he’s been called a lot lately. </p>
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<img alt="FC Internazionale v Atalanta BC - Serie A" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/FriYL6VfO7zRKaOe0VVuqIUVF5w=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/9714973/876346542.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="kpk8rr"><span><strong>Mauro Icardi</strong></span><strong> - 8</strong></p>
<p id="LsZkQl">Is there anything new we can say tonight? I don’t think so. Inter were struggling to break Atalanta down and so he decided to do it almost on his own, which is what world class players do when their team isn’t firing on all cylinders. Yet another match-winning brace to add to his collection, despite not having fully recovered from the knee injury sustained against Torino. He’s a monster. And not a nasty one.</p>
<p id="fXlr2k"><strong>Substitutes</strong></p>
<p id="s5btmg"><strong>Marcelo Brozovic - 6</strong></p>
<p id="BS0kmN">Replaced Candreva for the final quarter-hour and did his bit for the team, without any significant contributions.</p>
<p id="NnZNxA"><strong>Joao Mario - N/A</strong></p>
<p id="N9K8C7">Came on too late to warrant a grade.</p>
<p id="KbgidC"><strong>Éder - N/A</strong></p>
<p id="nnwtCQ">Came on too late to warrant a grade.</p>
<p id="oCr3mn"><strong>Manager</strong></p>
<p id="ghP6zH"><strong>Luciano Spalletti - 7</strong></p>
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<cite>Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="a749LL">We’re now 13 games into the season and Inter are unbeaten, -2 off the top of the table, +2 on <a href="https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/">Juventus</a> and +14 on Milan. None of those things would have been imaginable three months ago but all four have come to pass, and it is largely thanks to him.</p>
<p id="FH1yWL">Inter do not take your breath away like perhaps other teams do, but they’re solid as heck and know how to win difficult matches. After an underwhelming first half they took the game by the scruff of its neck and refused to loosen their grip until the points were in the bag, which is indicative of the work Spalletti has done on these players’ heads. He’s made them feel almost invincible.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Spalletti?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Spalletti</a>: "Naming the same XI for five games in a row was a deliberate ploy to try and make certain players feel irreplaceable and improve their self-esteem. then when you've done that it becomes easier to change one or two players every so often"</p>— Serpents of Madonnina (@SerpentsOfInter) <a href="https://twitter.com/SerpentsOfInter/status/932375891111489537?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2017</a>
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<p id="FnHzp9"><strong>Man of the Match - Mauro Icardi</strong></p>
<p id="AcABJ0">Riccardo Trevisani and Daniele Adani ended their match commentary for <em>Sky Sport</em> tonight with the following exchange:</p>
<p id="okUtFf"><em>“I refuse to even ask you who the Man of the Match is tonight, Daniele.”</em></p>
<p id="yQbQev"><em>“And I refuse to even tell you, Riccardo.”</em></p>
<p id="hfHPRR"><em>“We’ve had this conversation before, haven’t we?”</em></p>
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<cite>Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images</cite>
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<p class="c-end-para" id="xaBbsg">Nobody played badly, let’s be clear, but as far as Sunday’s star performer is concerned there is not even the slightest hint of a contest. We have one of the best centre-forwards in the world on our hands.</p>
https://www.serpentsofmadonnina.com/2017/11/20/16677258/inter-2-0-atalanta-player-ratingsWill Beckman2017-11-19T23:01:13+01:002017-11-19T23:01:13+01:00Icardi’s brace leads Inter Milan to 2-0 win over Atalanta
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<figcaption>Mauro Emanuel Icardi of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates his second goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Atalanta BC at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on November 19, 2017 in Milan, Italy. | Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The <em>Nerazzurri</em> return in solid form after international break; move into second in Serie A. </p> <p class="p--has-dropcap" id="5ZXbow"><span>Mauro Icardi</span> collected his 12<sup>th</sup> and 13<sup>th</sup> goals of the season and <a href="https://www.serpentsofmadonnina.com/">Inter Milan</a> moved to second in Serie A after a 2-0 win over <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/atalanta">Atalanta</a> Sunday at the Stadio Guiseppe Meazza.</p>
<p id="T7ZtJE">The win came at an opportune time after <a href="https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/">Juventus</a> dropped a 3-2 decision to <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/sampdoria">Sampdoria</a> and <a href="https://www.chiesaditotti.com/">AS Roma</a> topped <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/lazio">Lazio</a> 2-1 in the capital derby. The <em>Nerazzurri</em> are two points back of league-leading <a href="https://www.thesirenssong.com/">Napoli</a> and two in front of Juventus.</p>
<p id="pYK3qe">The loss kept Atalanta winless away from the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia.</p>
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<p id="6JwDe6">For Icardi, it was a good start off an international break where he did not suit up for Argentina, deciding instead to rehab a knee injury suffered against <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/torino">Torino</a>.</p>
<p id="xIp6k9">In the 24<sup>th</sup> minute, <span>Borja Valero</span> played a nice flick-on to Icardi the broke him free just outside the area, but <span>Etrit Berisha</span> fell on Icardi’s delivery that was not necessarily hit very hard. The pass by Valero stonewalled José Luis Palomino and Icardi gained a step to press the issue.</p>
<p id="OG9XjG">That seemed to open up the Inter offense as the <em>Nerazzurri</em> took a couple of shots on goal, but crosses were off the pace and shots couldn’t find the target.</p>
<div class="c-float-left"><aside id="9QpmxC"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Late goal preserves a point for Inter Milan","url":"https://www.serpentsofmadonnina.com/2017/11/5/16609120/inter-drop-points-against-torino"},{"title":"Inter Milan trudge to 2-1 win at Hellas Verona","url":"https://www.serpentsofmadonnina.com/2017/10/31/16579234/inter-milan-trudge-to-2-1-win-at-hellas-verona"},{"title":"Inter gets by Sampdoria, 3-2","url":"https://www.serpentsofmadonnina.com/2017/10/25/16541594/inter-beat-sampdoria-3-2-to-top-serie-a"}]}'></div></aside></div>
<p id="ZbyQvk">Later in the half, <span>Antonio Candreva</span> had an opportunity to put the ball into the area, but struck it away from any friendly players and right to the boots of Palomino.</p>
<p id="O7lY1a">In the 40<sup>th</sup> minute, Candreva sent in a nice ball and Icardi seemed to be in position to push the ball in, but was handled by Andrea Masiello and Ivan Perisic couldn’t reach the ball in time. Both Perisic and Icardi advocated by a review for a possible penalty, but to no avail.</p>
<p id="3By8CU">In the first half, possession was nearly equal with the <em>Nerazzurri</em> holding the ball for 52 percent of the half. Both teams managed three shots on goal and fouls — albeit lenient from main official Fabbri — were also equal at six apiece.</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">HT: Plenty of feistiness, but not enough to move the scoreboard as <a href="https://twitter.com/Inter_en?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Inter_en</a> struggle to break down <a href="https://twitter.com/Atalanta_BC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Atalanta_BC</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/InterAtalanta?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#InterAtalanta</a> <a href="https://t.co/y84ysx9Uoj">pic.twitter.com/y84ysx9Uoj</a></p>— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) <a href="https://twitter.com/beINSPORTSUSA/status/932349527373123584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2017</a>
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<p id="O56j6j">It didn’t take long for Inter to start to challenge in the second half as Perisic delivered a great cross to give Icardi a near open header that Berisha was able to collect after shifting to his right in the 47<sup>th</sup> minute.</p>
<p id="jc1DOt">Finally, in the 51<sup>st</sup> minute, Candreva connected with Icardi for his 12<sup>th</sup> goal of the season. Icardi was able to sneak in behind the Atalanta defense unchallenged on the corner kick.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">GOOOAAAAALLLLL!!! Mauro <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Icardi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Icardi</a> keeps scoring!!! Inter up 1-0 | 51' <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/InterAtalanta?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#InterAtalanta</a><a href="https://t.co/lvmtxDUDgD">pic.twitter.com/lvmtxDUDgD</a></p>— Lega Serie A (@SerieAchannel) <a href="https://twitter.com/SerieAchannel/status/932353120994234373?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2017</a>
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<p id="NVKg3W">After the goal, Atalanta switched from their false nine formation and brought in Andrea Petangna who came in for Josip Ilicic to give Atalanta a focal point up top and theoretically free up Alejandro Gómez to attack.</p>
<p id="47mXAC">In the 59<sup>th</sup> minute, Gómez had his first shot on goal, but Milan Skriniar closed the gap and forced Gómez delivered the ball well over Samir Handanovic.</p>
<p id="seCU4C">A minute later, Icardi collected his brace when Danilio D’Ambrosio stepped in front of a bad pass from Palomino and crossed into Icardi who found the back of the net to put the <em>Nerazzurri</em> up 2-0. The Argentinian nearly got the hat trick a minute later, but the ball in was just out of reach.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">GOAL: Icardi nets again as <a href="https://twitter.com/Inter_en?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Inter_en</a> overtake <a href="https://twitter.com/juventusfcen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@juventusfcen</a> in the table. <br><br>SIGN UP & WATCH ON fuboTV → <a href="https://t.co/yHh6dyGuoJ">https://t.co/yHh6dyGuoJ</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/beINfuboTV?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#beINfuboTV</a> <a href="https://t.co/MlZkD4r8yz">pic.twitter.com/MlZkD4r8yz</a></p>— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) <a href="https://twitter.com/beINSPORTSUSA/status/932356288607952896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2017</a>
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<p class="c-end-para" id="gdGC2t"> Inter will be back in action at 2:45 p.m. (ET), Nov. 25 at <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/cagliari">Cagliari</a>.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="vxUVmX">
<h3 id="1kfPid">Gallery</h3>
<div id="gFYGVV"><div data-anthem-component="gallery:766242"></div></div>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="EINKri">
<h3 id="8CnxM8">Highlights</h3>
<div id="QUF6em"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kee0xDncJqo?rel=0&" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
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<h3 id="k4p3pH">Box Score</h3>
<p id="7lnCPA"><strong>Serie A</strong></p>
<p id="klisrv"><strong>Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017 </strong></p>
<p id="4cxpfV"><strong>At Stadio Guiseppe Meazza</strong></p>
<p id="w33SWh"><strong>Inter Milan 2, Atalanta 0</strong></p>
<p id="FSTzxc"><strong>Inter Milan 0 2 — 2</strong></p>
<p id="9Qzjka"><strong>Atalanta 0 0 — 0</strong></p>
<p id="i0IVTt">Goals: First half — none; Second half — Mauro Icardi (51’) INT; Icardi (60’) INT; </p>
<p id="exvM7L">Cautions: José Luis Palomino (48’) ATA, Jasmin Kurtic (53’) ATA, </p>
<p id="QwvFno"><strong>INTER</strong>: 1 Handanovic, 33 D'Ambrosio, 37 Skriniar, 25 Miranda, 21 Santon; 11 Vecino, 5 Gagliardini; 87 Candreva, 20 B. Valero, 44 Perisic; 9 Icardi.</p>
<p id="FE9AIy"><strong>Substitutes</strong>: 27 Padelli, 46 Berni, 7 Cancelo, 10 Joao Mario, 13 Ranocchia, 17 Karamoh, 23 Eder, 29 Dalbert, 55 Nagatomo, 77 Brozovic, 99 Pinamonti.</p>
<p id="RS9Pux"><strong>Coach</strong>: Luciano Spalletti</p>
<p id="EF1lgb"><strong>ATALANTA</strong>: 1 Berisha; 3 Toloi, 6 Palomino, 5 Masiello; 33 Hateboer, 15 Cristante, 4 De Roon, 21 Castagne; 72 Ilicic, 27 Kurtic, 10 Gomez.</p>
<p id="tryTUj"><strong>Substitutes</strong>: 91 Gollini, 31 Rossi, 7 Orsolini, 8 Gosens, 9 Cornelius, 20 Vido, 23 Melegoni, 28 Mancini, 29 Petagna, 32 Haas, 88 Schmidt, 95 Bastoni.</p>
<p id="5wVFTK"><strong>Coach</strong>: <span>Gian Piero Gasperini</span></p>
<p id="zRJTeT"><strong>Referee</strong>: Fabbri</p>
<p id="diuWqy"><strong>Assistants</strong>: Alassio, De Meo</p>
<p id="mlHBSd"><strong>Fourth</strong> <strong>Official</strong>: Maresca</p>
<p id="ObFF7w"><strong>VAR</strong> <strong>Operators</strong>: Orsato, Schenone</p>
https://www.serpentsofmadonnina.com/2017/11/19/16676930/icardis-brace-leads-inter-milan-to-2-0-win-over-atalantaM.A. Clark2017-11-19T16:00:04+01:002017-11-19T16:00:04+01:00Inter vs. Atalanta: Match preview, ways to watch, and live match thread
<figure>
<img alt="MILAN, ITALY - NOVEMBER 05: FC Internazionale Milano coach Luciano Spalletti looks on before the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Torino FC at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on November 5, 2017 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images )" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/j6GXDTTTKsnB0Uvs7K1bbYWGMYY=/26x0:2974x1965/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/57663309/870458546.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Nerazzurri look to continue unbeaten start against last season’s surprise top-four finishers</p> <p class="p--has-dropcap" id="nbXPF6"><a href="https://www.serpentsofmadonnina.com/?_ga=2.183183791.800119171.1511055799-61893077.1507508870"></a><a href="https://www.serpentsofmadonnina.com/">Inter Milan</a> are back in action on Sunday at the San Siro after a truly <a href="https://www.serpentsofmadonnina.com/2017/11/15/16630086/international-break-round-up">absurd international break</a> that saw a handful <em>Nerazzurri </em>players punch their ticket to Russia, and a few others reeling from what could have been. Players returning from national team stints will need to regain their club focus quickly, as Inter find themselves trying to extend their unbeaten start to the season against a capable <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/atalanta?_ga=2.183183791.800119171.1511055799-61893077.1507508870">Atalanta</a> team.</p>
<div class="c-float-right"> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="BERGAMO, ITALY - OCTOBER 25: Robin Gosens of Atalanta BC in action during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Hellas Verona FC at Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia on October 25, 2017 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/a0SUfZQSdWR1JffkMHxuWveBGaQ=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/9710379/866908116.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images</cite>
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</div>
<p id="F5TRy9">After shocking Italian football last season and finishing in 4th place above the likes of <a href="https://acmilan.theoffside.com/">AC Milan</a>, Inter, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/serie-a/teams/lazio">Lazio</a>, and <a href="https://www.violanation.com/">Fiorentina</a>, Gian Piero Gasperini’s Atalanta haven’t quite yet matched the same intensity this campaign. Alejandro Gomez (3 goals & 4 assists) still leads the possession-minded, short-passing attack, but despite a draw against <a href="https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/">Juventus</a> and a string of good Europa League results, Italy’s other black & blues currently sit in 10th place in Serie A with a 4-4-4 record. </p>
<p id="hq2in9">(Side note: be sure to pay attention to one <a href="https://www.serpentsofmadonnina.com/2017/11/12/16638116/rumor-inter-in-on-atalanta-midfielder">Atalanta player</a> in particular) </p>
<div class="c-float-left"> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="REGGIO NELL'EMILIA, ITALY - OCTOBER 19: Alejandro Gomez of Atalanta BC gestures during the UEFA Europa League group E match between Atalanta and Apollon Limassol at Mapei Stadium - Citta' del Tricolore on October 19, 2017 in Reggio nell'Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images)" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/mdg33DGJ-7jgmfeezGLmrU73a7c=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/9710433/863172260.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images</cite>
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</div>
<p id="brPWq9">Inter, on the other hand, can extend their unbeaten streak to 13 games with a win or a draw on Sunday. With Marcelo Brozovic back to full fitness and <span>Mauro Icardi</span> ready to play after his aneurysm-inducing-almost-injury (thanks for the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BbOwJo7Hl-6/?taken-by=mauroicardi">Instagram post</a>, Mauro), Luciano Spalletti should be able to field his full starting XI of choice. I’m most interested to see if the Inter boss will continue to play <span>Borja Valero</span> in the <em>trequartista</em> role, and in turn let <span>Roberto Gagliardini</span> have a go at his old club from one of the two defensive midfield positions. </p>
<p id="DyeZDM">Gagliardini, along with other Inter players and fans alike, will hope this game against his old team goes a lot like the last one...</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="MILAN, ITALY - MARCH 12: Roberto Gagliardini of FC Internazionale Milano (2nd L) celebrates his goal with his team-mate Mauro Emanuel Icardi (L) during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Atalanta BC at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on March 12, 2017 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images)" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/mk_5CaEe-OwcXnlYiX5ezZOis5U=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/9710539/652547112.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="6GoEeM">After falling 1-2 at the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia last October despite a <a href="https://youtu.be/CBFSeI2SbIc">cracking Eder goal</a>, Inter <em>trounced </em>their black & blue counterparts 7-1 at the San Siro this past March. That anomaly of a match proved to be a shining moment from a team that didn’t provide many others. </p>
<p id="LKI0UO">While I don’t think it’ll be <em>quite </em>as cataclysmic a win, I have reason to believe Inter will handle Atalanta on Sunday night. I like the way Inter’s width should be able to stretch the three-man Atalanta back line through Ivan Perisic and <span>Antonio Candreva</span>, and I’m excited to see how Milan Skriniar handles a veteran attacker as smooth and as skilled as Alejandro Gomez. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="MILAN, ITALY - OCTOBER 15: Milan Skriniar of FC Internazionale Milano gestures during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AC Milan at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on October 15, 2017 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images)" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/301U4vkrliwk_lb5qTP2rgHuTVc=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/9710551/861745578.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p class="c-end-para" id="aTXjtp"><em>Forza Inter!</em></p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="Y603Ey">
<h2 id="YxtEyp">Match Info</h2>
<p id="IrOhVv"><strong>Date & Time</strong>: Sunday, November 19th, 2017; 8:45 PM CEST (2:45 PM on the U.S. East Coast)</p>
<p id="pxPiAA"><strong>Location</strong>: Stadio Giuseppe Meazza; Milan, Italy</p>
<p id="4BSlOv"><strong>TV/Streaming</strong>: In the U.S., the game is available on beIN Sports, with streaming through beIN Sports Connect and fuboTV. In the U.K., the match will be shown on BT Sport 1 with streaming through BT Sport Live. <a href="http://www.livesoccertv.com/match/2547538/internazionale-vs-atalanta/">Click here</a> to find out where you can watch the match everywhere else in the world.</p>
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<h2 id="1xofI2">Inter Milan Squad</h2>
<p id="sMJoJe"><strong>Goalkeepers: </strong>Handanovic, Padelli, Berni</p>
<p id="5SOrLT"><strong>Defenders: </strong>Joao Cancelo, Ranocchia, Santon, D’Ambrosio, Nagatomo, Skriniar, Miranda, Dalbert</p>
<p id="Iv8qX8"><strong>Midfielders: </strong>Gagliardini, Joao Mario, Borja Valero, Vecino, Brozovic<strong> </strong></p>
<p id="peouel"><strong>Forwards: </strong>Candreva, Karamoh, Icardi, Perisic, Eder, Pinamonti</p>
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<h2 id="s3Efea">Match Thread Rules</h2>
<p id="gdaudU">There are only three rules: don’t be hateful, don’t disrespect anyone else’s opinion and enjoy the game!</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="WMaqbz">
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https://www.serpentsofmadonnina.com/2017/11/19/16674814/inter-vs-atalanta-match-preview-ways-to-watch-and-live-match-threadTorin Walters