Inter Milan failed to win their opening game in defence of their Serie A title on Saturday, as the champions were held to a 2-2 draw at Genoa due to a dramatic last-minute penalty shootout.
Former AC Milan striker Junior Messias earned a point for Genoa in the fifth minute of stoppage time, hammering home the equaliser after a penalty had been saved.
Messias’ last-gasp equaliser came after Inter defender Yann Bisseck was penalised for a clumsy handball while attempting to head the ball away.
Bisseck’s mistake cost Inter a victory that had already seemed to be secured thanks to a brace from Marcus Thuram after Alessandro Vogliacco had given hosts Genoa a surprise lead.
“We are disappointed because the boys showed a very professional performance,” said Inter coach Simone Inzaghi.
“We played very well in the first half and showed a lot of potential, but then conceded an unfortunate goal… When you concede two goals like we did tonight, it becomes difficult to win games.”
“When a team like ours takes the lead, as we did, we cannot concede a goal, especially not a goal like that.”
French striker Thuram thought he had already given Inter the win when he skilfully chipped home a pass from Davide Frattesi with six minutes left. The goal was initially disallowed for offside, but was upheld after a VAR review.
His perfectly placed header after a cross from Nicolo Barella allowed Inzaghi’s team to equalise after half an hour.
Thuram was Inter’s most dangerous player, forcing two super saves from Pierluigi Gollini and winning a penalty in the 34th minute, which was disallowed after a check during his collision with Milan Badelj.
The draw was a great result for Genoa not only because they were playing against the reigning champions, but also because Alberto Gilardino’s team lost key players in the transfer window and was hit by a wave of injuries.
Genoa sold last season’s attacking stars Mateo Retegui and Albert Gudmundsson and were without five players on Saturday, meaning Messias had to play in attack rather than in his preferred wing position.
“The boys were really great tonight. Given all the difficulties we had, we knew how tough it was going to be, but they responded brilliantly,” said Gilardino.
Newly promoted Parma played out an entertaining 1-1 draw with Fiorentina, with both teams scoring goals thanks to brilliant strikes from Dennis Man and Cristiano Biraghi.
Later on Saturday, AC Milan begin their season away to Turin, while Empoli host Monza in the day’s other late game.
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