Serie A: Controversial draw delays Inter’s Scudetto title celebration
Inter’s march towards the Serie A title hit a stumbling block as Claudio Ranieri’s Cagliari held them to a contentious 2-2 draw.
The stalemate postpones the Nerazzurri’s Scudetto party.
With Milan also dropping points earlier in the day, a win for Inter would have put them within touching distance of the title.
The Italian giants now require only a draw in the upcoming Derby della Madonnina to clinch the title.
Cagliari delays Inter’s Scudetto title in 2-2 draw – Getty image
Despite missing key players, Inter started brightly, with Nicolò Barella testing Simone Scuffet early on before Alexis Sanchez set up Marcus Thuram for the opener.
His goal set a new club record of 40 consecutive Serie A matches with at least one goal scored.
However, Cagliari responded, with Zito Luvumbo and Eldor Shomurodov threatening the Inter defense.
Shomurodov eventually succeeded with an equalizer for the visitors, slotting home after a knockdown from Luvumbo.
Inter regained the lead from the penalty spot, with Hakan Calhanoglu converting after Yerry Mina was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box.
However, controversy ensued as Cagliari leveled again in the dying minutes, with Nicolas Viola capitalizing on a possible handball to snatch a point for his side.
Despite Inter’s disappointment, they remain on the brink of the Scudetto, needing just one more win to secure their 20th Serie A title.
