Inter stars in heated on-field bust-up before Lukaku comes to rescue

942     0
Inter beat Porto in their first-leg clash, with Romelu Lukaku scoring (Image: AP)
Inter beat Porto in their first-leg clash, with Romelu Lukaku scoring (Image: AP)

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.

Arsenal's transfer window winners and losers as late arrival softens Mudryk blow eiqrdidttideinvArsenal's transfer window winners and losers as late arrival softens Mudryk blow

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.

What have you made of the behaviour of Inter's players? Have your say in the comments section

Inter stars in heated on-field bust-up before Lukaku comes to rescueAndre 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.

Tom Victor

Edin Dzeko, FC Porto, Champions League, Inter Milan

Read more similar news:

01.02.2023, 11:13 • Sport
Potter headache as 5 Chelsea signings must be left out of Champions League squad
01.02.2023, 13:37 • Sport
Graham Potter's dream Chelsea lineup after last-gasp transfer deadline day move
01.02.2023, 17:23 • Sport
Premier League's £734m transfer window compared to Europe's other top leagues
01.02.2023, 20:31 • Sport
Fernandez has Chelsea number confirmed - but he'll need to wear another one
02.02.2023, 09:59 • Sport
Ten Hag explains why Man Utd signed Marcel Sabitzer over four other midfielders
02.02.2023, 11:37 • Sport
Solskjaer agrees with Maguire that Man Utd have lost another "leader"
02.02.2023, 15:44 • Sport
Mbappe spotted mouthing concerning message to PSG bench as problems emerge
02.02.2023, 16:04 • Sport
Tomiyasu explains why Arsenal fell apart and couldn't get it right last season
02.02.2023, 16:31 • Sport
Virgil van Dijk returns to training as Liverpool receive double injury boost
02.02.2023, 16:40 • Sport
Bruno Fernandes reaction to Man Utd signing Marcelo Sabitzer speaks volumes