Inter 2-0 Catania: Cassano and Palacio maintain Nerazzurri's league-best winning streak

Posted Sunday, October 21, 2012 by YAHOO Sport

Inter Milan stretched its winning streak in Serie A to four matches, emerging as a comfortable 2-0 winner over Catania at San Siro.

Goals from Antonio Cassano and Rodrigo Palacio proved good enough to beat Rolando Maran's team, as the 2010 champions dominated for large periods of the game. Catania had good chances in the first half but couldn't capitalize on them, and in the end was no match for its illustrious opponent.

The Nerazzuri began to take control of the match midway through the first half, and after Joel Obi tested goalkeeper Mariano Andujar from range, they took a deserved lead in the 28th minute. Diego Milito found Esteban Cambiasso in space on the edge of the area, and the Argentina midfielder produced an inch-perfect cross to the back post where Cassano headed home for his fifth goal of the season.

Andrea Stramaccioni's team continued to create the better chances, as Milito's low shot was fumbled round the post by Andujar whilst Palacio headed wide when well placed. Cassano was replaced by Ricardo Alvarez with 20 minutes remaining, and the forward almost made an instant impact as he danced through the Rossazzuri defense, but he was denied by a last-ditch block by Nicolas Spolli.

The home side continued to push for a second goal and almost sealed the win when Andrea Ranocchia's header came back off the post after another excellent centered ball from Cambiasso. Alvarez should have done better when in space but fired straight at Andujar, but the three points were confirmed when Palacio controlled Milito's reverse pass on his chest and volleyed home.

Inter is noew level with Lazio for third place in Serie A, with both teams on 18 points and a matching +7 goal differential, trailing leader Juventus by four points.