Inter Wobble on Winless Run as Como Surge: Serie A Title Race Heats Up!
Inter Milan head into the international break on a four-game winless run after drawing 1-1 at Fiorentina, trimming their Serie A lead to six points over AC Milan. Como thumped Pisa 5-0 to seize a Champions League spot amid poignant news of owner Michael Bambang Hartono's passing. Hakan Calhanoglu opened up on his Inter switch and Chivu's impact, while refs cleared up a handball non-call controversy.
Inter's Stuttering Form Hands Rivals a Lifeline
Picture this: Inter Milan charging into the international break like a stag party that's had one too many, four matches without a win across all comps. Their latest stumble? A gritty 1-1 draw at Fiorentina, where Pio Esposito nodded them ahead inside 60 seconds, only for Cher Ndour to bundle home a rebound late on. That leaves the Nerazzurri six points clear of AC Milan – who, cheekily, stuffed them in the derby a fortnight back – and seven ahead of Napoli, now on a four-game streak after seeing off Cagliari.
With just eight rounds left in Serie A, Fiorentina clamber two points clear of the trapdoor. Inter's boss Cristian Chivu must be feeling the heat, especially after Hakan Calhanoglu dished the dressing-room dirt in a Turkish YouTube chat. He reckons Chivu clicked instantly with the squad, unlike Inzaghi's style – more chances for the kids, less dogma.
Como's Five-Star Show Steals the Spotlight
While Inter limp away, Como are strutting like they've won the lottery. Cesc Fabregas' lads thrashed Pisa 5-0, their fifth win on the bounce, grabbing a Champions League spot three points clear of Juventus – who could only draw 1-1 at Sassuolo. Goals flew in from Assane Diao, Anastasios Douvikas (his 11th of the season, first Como bloke to hit double figures since the 1950s!), Martin Baturina, Nico Paz, and Maximo Perrone.
Bittersweet timing, though – this came days after owner Michael Bambang Hartono, the Indonesian tobacco tycoon, passed at 86. He and brother Roberto snapped up Como in 2019 when they were slogging it in the fourth tier. Back in Serie A after 20+ years, and now eyeing Europe? What a turnaround.
Calhanoglu's Tell-All: From Milan Hater to Inter Hero
Hakan Calhanoglu didn't hold back in his KAFA Sports interview, as reported by Sam Wilson and Susy Campanale at Football Italia. That infamous switch from Milan to Inter in 2021? "Tough call, mate," he said, with Barcelona and Juventus sniffing around too. Inzaghi's relentless calls sealed it – and his debut goal plus assist shut up the doubters quick smart.
Now the deep-lying playmaker post-Brozovic, Calhanoglu loves dictating play. And the fans' chant? "Special love for a foreigner – means I've nailed it." From city divide villain to terrace idol, he's Inter's heartbeat.
Referee Row Adds Spice to Florence Stalemate
Speaking of controversy, Inter chief Beppe Marotta was fuming over a non-penalty call nine minutes in at the Artemio Franchi. Ball pinged off Fiorentina's Marin Pongracic's arm, but ref Andrea Colombo and VAR said nah. The Italian Referees Association backed it on DAZN's Open VAR, with rep Mauro Tonolini calling it spot on – no drama, per the rules.
As reported by Susy Campanale at Football Italia, timid shouts from Viola players didn't sway anyone. Inter fans might cry conspiracy, but it's just another Serie A eyebrow-raiser. With the top four so tight, every point's gold dust – Inter better sharpen up post-break, or Milan's derby lads could pounce.