It was a frustrating night for Inter who could only manage a 0-0 draw with Sassuolo at the Stadio Meazza on Saturday night.
The Nerazzurri, who had lost seven of their last eight Serie A meetings against Sassuolo, failed to recreate their Coppa Italia form as Serie A returned from the winter break, and rarely tested Andrea Consigli in the Neroverdi goal.
Serving the second match of their ban following the racist chants directed towards Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly, Inter allowed 10,000 children into the match, as well as unveiling a large ‘Brothers Universally United’ banner across one stand, creating more of a festival atmosphere in the ground.
It was the away side who started the better, pressing Inter well and were first to create any chances of note with Kevin-Prince Boateng flicking a header to Locatelli, but though through on goal, the ex-AC Milan midfielder skewed his shot wide.
As the opening 45 minutes wore on Inter came into the game and were a whisker away from taking the lead when Matteo Politano forced a brilliant fingertip save from Consigli.
After the break, some confusion from Federico Peluso and Consigli almost cost the Neroverdi a goal, but the goalkeeper managed to punch the ball out from under his crossbar.
Samir Handanovic was on hand to deny Boateng, while at the other end Lautaro Martinez headed straight at Consigli.
Source: forzaitalianfootball.com