Inter stars in heated on-field bust-up before Lukaku comes to rescue
Inter Milan team-mates Andre Onana and Edin Dzeko had to be kept apart during their team's Champions League round-of-16 game against Porto.
The Nerazzurri hold a narrow advantage going into the second leg at the Dragao. Otavio was sent off for the visitors for two yellow cards, and Inter striker Romelu Lukaku delivered a late winner against the 10 men.
It was the second time this months that Simone Inzaghi's side have seen their on-field achievements overshadowed by issues between team-mates. Lukaku himself was involved on the previous occasion, with Nicolo Barella the subject of the Belgian's frustration in a game against Sampdoria.
Goalkeeper Onana could be seen shouting in the direction of Dzeko after Porto almost capitalised on an Inter mistake. According to Amazon Prime Video Italia (via Football Italia ), former Manchester City striker Dzeko had called on his colleague to stop protesting to the officials.
Hakan Calhanoglu was in between the pair and attempted to stop Onana venting at the Bosnian international. The playmaker even went as far as putting his hand over the former Ajax keeper's mouth, with a threat of headlines surrounding infighting once more after the incident in the Samp clash.
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Lukaku had appeared frustrated by Barella in the goalless draw at Stadio Luigi Ferraris. However, the Belgian responded with the opener in a weekend victory over Udinese before making it two in two with his effort against Porto.
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Andre Onana was seen shouting in Edin Dzeko's direction (Twitter@https://twitter.com/icebergfinanza/status/1628498921096970242)Fittingly, it was Barella who laid on Lukaku's winner against Porto. The Italian sent over a cross from the right which Lukaku headed against the far post before sweeping the rebound beyond goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
“We wanted to win, we could’ve scored a second goal and were unable to do it. The important thing was to secure the victory," on-loan striker said.
“The important thing is to win, I am not individualistic, so I focus only on trying to do what is best for Inter I am happy for the victory, let us carry on like this. I am also happy that it was Barella who gave me the assist, because I always said he is the first player I would pick to go into war with if I had to.”
The tie is far from over, with Porto having won two of their three group games at the Dragao to qualify for the last 16. Inter, meanwhile, won just one of three away from the San Siro.
Inzaghi's team have three more league games - against Bologna, Lecce and Spezia - before travelling to Portugal for their second leg. They currently sit second in Serie A, though league leaders Napoli are some 15 points clear at the top.
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