Kolarov Plays Fireman for Stuttering Inter: 'Six Points Clear? We've Nailed It!'
Inter assistant Aleksandar Kolarov took charge for banned boss Cristian Chivu in a 1-1 draw at Fiorentina, insisting the Nerazzurri's six-point lead proves their quality despite a winless streak. Key injuries sidelined stars like Bastoni and Martinez, but Esposito's early strike offered hope before Ndour equalised. With Milan closing in, Kolarov urged calm – Inter's title fate remains in their grasp.
Picture this: Inter Milan's season is wobbling like a pint glass on a wobbly pub table. Recent Derby della Madonnina humbling, then that dodgy 1-1 with Atalanta – suddenly Milan and Napoli are sniffing around the top spot. But step forward assistant gaffer Aleksandar Kolarov, who's grabbed the reins while head coach Cristian Chivu cools his heels in the stands on a touchline ban.
Kolarov Steps Up Pre-Match: Aggression Promised
It's the first time Kolarov's flown solo on the bench, and he's chatting to DAZN like it's no biggie. 'Squad's buzzing in training, I'm chilled,' he says, brushing off the pressure ahead of Fiorentina at the Stadio Artemio Franchi. No away fans for the Nerazzurri due to security – hundreds turned up at the training ground just to wave 'em off, bless 'em.
Injuries bite hard: Alessandro Bastoni, Lautaro Martinez, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan sit it out. But Hakan Calhanoglu and Denzel Dumfries are nearing full pelt. 'We've not been razor-sharp lately, but tonight? Proper aggressive,' vows Kolarov. Inter need points – leaders can't afford a slip with rivals winning.
As reported by Susy Campanale at Football Italia, this was meant to be the reset button after a ropey run.
Lightning Strike to Stalemate: The Match Unravels
Blimey, it starts electric! Francesco Pio Esposito bags one inside 40 seconds – dream start at the Franchi. But Fiorentina hit back sharpish. Albert Gudmundsson's effort pings off Yann Sommer, and Cher Ndour nods in the rebound. 1-1 it ends, and Inter's winless run hits four games.
Kolarov's in the media room post-whistle, defending his troops. 'Not our sharpest, fatigue from the schedule, but Fiorentina earned their plaudits,' he tells DAZN. Critics piling on? He laughs it off: 'We're six points clear – must've done summat right all season! Draws away at a form side? Relatively positive.'
Inter's Achilles' heel? Dropping 12 points from leads – most in Serie A. 'Lacking that killer edge, but it's ours to lose,' adds Kolarov. Fans might moan, but he's got a point – top of the pile doesn't happen by accident.
Title Squeeze: Three-Horse Race Looms?
Milan now just six points back, Napoli seven adrift. Eight rounds left, and Inter face Roma then Como post-internationals. Handy that Milan v Napoli clashes in Week 31 – could gift the leaders breathing room.
Kolarov nails it: folk expect Inter dominance, but this season's been a grind. From Club World Cup vibes in Pasadena (yeah, that Monterrey group clash) to Serie A scraps, resilience is key. Marcus Thuram tussling with Dodo, Calhanoglu penalties – moments of class amid the chaos.
Inter ain't invincible, but with Kolarov steadying the ship, they're still favourites. Title in sight, lads – just don't spill those leads like a clumsy round at last orders. As Susy Campanale covered for Football Italia, this draw's a bump, not a brick wall.