Inter 1-0 Verona: Conte says, “We’re 95% there. This win is worth 9 points” | Serie A 2020-21

Inter Milan

Inter Milan‘s march to the first Scudetto in eleven years continued as they held on to take all three points against Verona, and in the process, extend their lead at the top to 13 points.

The Nerazzurri came out on top in a tight and cagey affair at the San Siro thanks to a goal from unlikely hero Matteo Darmian who scored 14 minutes from time.

Hellas Verona are sitting comfortably in mid-table proved to be formidable opponents on the afternoon as they saw more of the ball and registered just two shots less than their hosts. But in the end, Antonio Conte‘s men did enough to earn all three points to pull closer to the title with just five games left to play.

The hosts began the better of both teams, fashioning their first chance in the third minute, which Lautaro Martinez was unable to bring on target.

Achraf Hakimi unsuccessfully tested Marco Silvestri in the Varona goal in the 18th minute before Samir Handanovic in Inter’s goal denied Daniel Bessa a goal. Both teams went into the break level.

The visitors had the first opening of the second half but couldn’t capitalize before Silvestri pulled out a great save to deny Martinez in the 65th minute.

Inter continued to fashion out chances and had their opener in the 76th minute through Matteo Darmian, who received a precise ball by Achraf Hakimi to break the deadlock and hand his side all three points.

Inter have won 13 consecutive home games in #SerieA for the second time in their history (previously in May 2011). Unstoppable.

Conte says – We’re 95% there

In that group hug, I see the strength that we’re 95 per cent of the way towards the Scudetto. Today, we faced a physical team with nothing to lose and they came here to play. Wins like this are worth nine points, not three.

Antonio Conte on Scudetto

I can see a lot of similarities between them and the start of the journey with Bonucci, Barzagli and Chiellini because they were young guys who hadn’t won anything, and we started on a journey together. Milan, Stefan and Alessandro can do the same by being confident in their abilities and learning the right mentality. It was different at Chelsea, where I worked with players who had won things before, like David Luiz for example.

Antonio Conte on Inter Milan defence

He’s growing and still has lots of room for improvement. He doesn’t always interpret things perfectly, but he’s making great strides forward in all respects and we’re very happy.

Antonio Conte on Inter Milan defence

Verona manager Juric, was not happy over disallowed goal from Davide Faraoni. He said, “I can’t believe they didn’t give that.”

The result ensured that Inter Milan extended their unbeaten run to 14 in all competitions while Verona succumbed to a fourth straight defeat in the league.

The home team, who need two more wins to seal the Scudetto, are back in action on Saturday as they travel to the South of Italy to face Crotone while Hellas Verona host Spezia in their next outing.