Inter Milan and Genoa plays draw due to late penalty in Serie A Championship opening round

Inter Milan were denied a win in the opening round of their Serie A championship defence on Saturday as late penalty drama left the champions with a 2-2 draw against Genoa.

Former AC Milan attacker, Junior Messias grabbed a point for Genoa in the last fifth minute. This occured after smashing home the leveller from his own saved spot-kick. Messias’ last-minute equaliser came when Inter defender Yann Bisseck was punished for a clumsy handball as he sought to head clear.

Bisseck’s mistake cost Inter a goal which was secured by Marcus Thuram brace, following Alessandro Vogliacco’s early opener for hosts Genoa. Inter coach Simone Inzaghi said:

“We’re disappointed because the boys put in a very professional performance. We played very well in the first half and created plenty but conceded an unlucky goal…

If you let in two goals like we did tonight then it becomes difficult to win matches. When a team like ours goes ahead when we did we cannot concede, especially not a goal like we did.”

Thuram, a France forward, thought he had given Inter a winning start when he elegantly dinked home Davide Frattesi’s pass. The goal was initially called off for offside but was later awarded after a VAR review. On the half-hour mark, his brilliantly placed header from Nicolo Barella’s cross equalised for Inzaghi’s team.

Thuram was Inter’s most threatening player, forcing two outstanding saves from Pierluigi Gollini. He also won a penalty in the 34th minute, which was rescinded due to a check on his collision with Milan Badelj.

The draw was a good result for Genoa because they were not only playing the reigning champions. They also had shortage of players because and lost important players due suffered loads of injuries. Genoa sold last season’s attacking stars Mateo Retegui and Albert Gudmundsson. They were without five players on Saturday, forcing Messias to play up front rather than in his customary wide position.

“The boys were really great tonight. With all the difficulties we’ve had, we knew how hard it would be but they reacted brilliantly,” said Gilardino.

Parma played out an entertaining 1-1 draw with Fiorentina with each team scoring through brilliant strikes from Dennis Man and Cristiano Biraghi. Later on Saturday AC Milan will begin their campaign as they visit Torino, while Empoli host Monza later on.