ROME – Inter Milan continued their 100 percent record under Leonardo, beating Bologna 4-1 at the San Siro on Saturday as title rivals Napoli slipped up in a 0-0 draw at home to Fiorentina. After a difficult first half to the season, Inter were looking like their old selves again as they cruised to victory against their troubled opponents, leaving them perilously close to the drop zone.
Dejan Stankovic, Diego Milito and a Samuel Eto’o brace — taking his tally to 23 goals in 26 games this season — moved Inter up to fourth, for a day at least, and just eight points behind leaders Milan having played a game less. It was a special night of celebration for Inter as captain Javier Zanetti equalled Giuseppe Bergomi’s record of 519 Serie A appearances for the club. Henry Gimenez scored Bologna’s late consolation in a terrible week for the club who were hit with a three-point deduction for failing to pay taxes and player salaries. It was vintage Inter from the off as Leonardo’s team romped to their fourth straight win under the Brazilian, who took over from the sacked Rafael Benitez at the end of December.
Milito had an early chance but somehow managed to hit the woodwork from just two yards out while Bologna goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano, a reported Inter target, made excellent saves to deny Eto’o and Maicon. Inter went in front on 20 minutes as Eto’o burst past a defender and then slid a pass into Stankovic to score into an unguarded net, although TV replays suggested the Serbian may have been offside. Ten minutes later and the hosts doubled their advantage as an inch-perfect pass from Thiago Motta sent Milito scampering away before teasing a defender and then finishing left-footed across Viviano, the ball passing through the goalkeeper’s fingers. On 34 minutes Marco Di Vaio had a great chance breaking beyond the Inter defence but Castellazzi made a splendid one-handed save from his 20-yard shot. And moments later he made a sprawling save to stop a Di Vaio free-kick.
Inter reignite title charge as Napoli stumble
