Inter Milan 3-0 Fiorentina: Calhanoglu scores twice
A long-range shot in the 66th minute and a penalty in the 88th minute sealed the 3-0 win over Fiorentina, Calhanoglu received a MOTM of 9.3 on FotMob; Petar Sucic scored a superb goal, Inter are 3 points behind the top spot.
In the 66th minute at the fiery San Siro, Hakan Calhanoglu broke the deadlock with a long-range shot like a bullet. In the 88th minute, the Turkish midfielder closed the performance with a cool penalty, deciding the 3-0 victory over Fiorentina and receiving the Man of the Match (MOTM) award with a score of 9.3 on FotMob. That moment not only brought home 3 points, but also reaffirmed Inter Milan's position as "conductor" in the open race for the top spot.
Evolution: from pressure to absolute control
Inter started the first half with great intensity, pressing constantly and creating multiple layers of attack. Fiorentina survived thanks to David de Gea’s saves, keeping a clean sheet until the break. After returning, Inter increased the speed of the ball circulation and pressed deliberately to regain control in midfield – where Calhanoglu was the pivot.
A 66th-minute cannon shot opened the scoring for a one-sided affair. As Fiorentina pushed forward in search of an equaliser, space opened up and Petar Sucic took advantage with a classy solo effort to double the lead. Inter sealed the deal with an 88th-minute penalty from Calhanoglu, capping off an efficient and ruthless display.
Calhanoglu – master of tempo control
Inter’s difference lies in his pacing: Calhanoglu doesn’t just serve the ball, he sets the tempo for the team – slowing down to draw opponents out of their defensive blocks, accelerating at the right time to break through. The two goals are just the tip of the iceberg; the underside is the discipline in his movement, his positioning to receive the ball and his ability to execute the right decisions in the final third.
Calhanoglu's Selected Statistics
| Index | Value |
|---|---|
| Match time | 90 minutes |
| Goal | 2 (minutes 66, 88 – penalty) |
| Opportunities created | 3 |
| Accurate pass | 59/70 (84%) |
| Pass to the final third of the field | 11 |
| Accurate cross | 4 |
| Successful tackle | 4 |
| Lost ball error | 0 |
| FotMob Review | 9.3 (MOTM) |
The numbers show a well-rounded performance: both organising, finishing and assisting in ball recovery. With Inter needing a mental support after a turbulent period following the FIFA Club World Cup, Calhanoglu has continued to maintain stability and has also evolved his scoring role. In Serie A, he has 5 goals – the same as Riccardo Orsolini.
Strategy and impact from the bench
Under coach Cristian Chivu – Simone Inzaghi’s successor – Inter have been characterised by three qualities: discipline, collectiveness and intensity. Calhanoglu anchors all three: discipline in structure, cohesion through triangles and intensity in transition. When Inter need to accelerate, he initiates; when they need to cool down, he sets the pace.
Calhanoglu stressed after the match on Sky Sport: “Anyone who wears the Inter shirt knows that our targets are always high. This season has not been easy, but we have come back strong. The team spirit is resilient.” He also praised Chivu: “He not only inspired us, but also gave us the discipline to maintain it.”
Race Impact and Road Ahead
The win keeps Inter in the hunt and they are now three points behind the leaders. Rather than a result, it is a statement of character: Inter can handle the pressure, choose their moments and be cool-headed enough to finish the game. Their next fixture is a trip to Verona – where the only objective is three points to keep them in the hunt.
On a night when Calhanoglu “controlled the heartbeat” of Inter, the San Siro witnessed not only victory, but also the return of a team with a steely spirit. When the maestro plays at his best, the rest of Inter just follow the drum.
