The official headline is that Inter’s return trip to Sicily ended in a 1-1 draw as Palermo successfully defended their long unbeaten home run.
The real headline is that Inter’s nine point lead over AC Milan has vanished. A Milan win at home to Napoli on Sunday will put them top of the table. If that happens Inter will no longer be in control of its destination. If Milan wins all its remaining games Inter cannot stop them from winning the title. Inter’s dismal run of form in the Serie A continues.
It all started so well for Inter against Palermo. Diego Milito scored from the penalty spot in the 10th minute after Lucio had been brought down by Bovo. The penalty was Milito’s 20th goal of the season.
Four minutes later the lead had gone when Miccoli turned Cambiasso and played a low ball through to Cavani who took a quick touch before shooting past Julio Cesar.
After Palermo’s equaliser the game opened up and it was end-to-end stuff with both sides producing plenty of chances.
Twenty minutes into the second half Mourinho replaced Stankovic with Thiago Motta and introduced Thiago Motta for Santon. The result was a more attacking Inter with opportunities on goal for Sneijder, Eto’o, Cambiasso, Maicon, Samuel, but the ball wouldn’t go in. Palermo were dangerous on the counter-attack but Cavani wasted great chances to put his team ahead.
The Rosanero came closest in added time when Miccoli directed an his left-wing free kick at the near post, forcing Julio Cesar into a difficult save. Inter need to get back on form domestically. They are throwing away the Serie A title this season.