• Home
• /
• Football

Palacio’s goal stuns Milan

Inter had dropped to sixth after Verona’s 4-1 win earlier but reclaimed fifth spot to sit five points off Napoli in the third Champions League qualifying place and 15 behind leaders Juventus. Sitting in 13^th place and 17 points behind third place, struggling Milan had plenty of incentive and enjoyed the lion’s share of chances and possession throughout.

It took Inter until the final 20 minutes to pile on some pressure and when Palacio sent a backheel beyond the reach of Milan ‘keeper Christian Abbiati in the 86^th minute the Rossoneri were left lamenting their earlier misses. Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri said: “I can’t blame the lads’ effort. They gave it everything. Inter had a solid game and they made the difference in the last 20 minutes.”

In what was the 159^th derby between the sides — being watched by new Inter owner, Indonesian Erick Thohir — Inter now boast 60 wins for 50 draws. Despite Milan’s dominance, the visitors lacked the slice of luck that could have made all the difference with Mario Balotelli and Kaka both coming close in an enterprising first half.

Inter had struggled to find any rhythm and were in uproar on 40 minutes when claims for a penalty went unheard after Palacio tumbled under pressure from Cristian Zapata.

Mazzarri added: “We shouldn’t have to rely on penalties, because we don’t decide them. But for me it was a clear penalty.” Milan resumed in similar fashion after the restart, with Balotelli coming close twice in the space of a few minutes.

But those proved to be Milan’s best chances of the half and just when a draw looked to be on the cards, Inter stepped up the tempo.

In the final 10 minutes Abbiati pulled off a superb save down low after Palacio had turned and shot from six metres, but the veteran ‘keeper could do little when Palacio connected with Guarin’s pass in the 86^th minute.

Milan finished the game with 10 men when Sulley Muntari saw red for a needless foul on late Kuzmanovic.Earlier, Juventus conceded their first goal in nine games but saw Carlos Tevez, Paul Pogba, Fernando Llorente and Arturo Vidal all hit the net in a 4-1 win away to Atalanta.

Roma had no trouble disposing of basement side Catania, with Mehdi Benatia hitting a brace and Mattia Destro and Gervinho adding one apiece in a 4-0 win at the Olympic Stadium. Juventus’s 15^th win in 17 games means Antonio Conte’s men will enjoy a five-point lead over Roma during the Christmas break.