MILAN: Inter Milan staged an impressive second-half revival to beat Torino 3-1 and move up to second place in Serie A on Monday as they bounced back after letting victory slip from their grasp in their two previous games.

Inter moved on to 68 points, ahead of Lazio on goal difference as the sides are level on their head-to-head records. They are eight points behind Juventus with six games to play.

Andrea Belotti pounced on a mistake by Inter goalkeeper Samir Handanovic to give Torino the lead in the 17th minute but Ashley Young, Diego Godin and Lautaro Martinez replied in a 13-minute spell after the break.

“Victories are important to raise morale and create a sense of certainty, especially for the players,” Inter coach Antonio Conte said. “The work that were doing at the minute is important and its inevitable that every win acts as a reward for our efforts.

“When we don’t get the win, its really frustrating, especially because recently we’ve faced punishments thats out of proportion with the mistakes that we make. But were on the right path.”

Torino remained five points above the relegation zone.

Inter found themselves behind when under no pressure Handanovic dropped a corner straight to the feet of Italy forward Belotti, who couldn’t believe his luck as he tapped home the opener from inches out.

Young began Inter’s revival four minutes after halftime, volleying past Salvatore Sirigu after the ball was headed down by Martinez, and three minutes later Godin headed in off the bar.

Inter extended their advantage in the 61st when Martinez’s shot took a deflection to loop over Sirigu. Belotti hit the bar moments later.

Published in Dawn, July 15th, 2020