Poor defensive displays might remain Inter’s primary weakness, but it was one of their stoppers who slammed the opener with a masterful finish just minutes after kick-off.
Few would have predicted Robin Gosens to pick at Romelu Lukaku’s headed assist, as the ex-Atalanta man carefully angled his first-time shot into the top corner, and eliminated any doubts of a third straight goalless league game for the visitors.
Despite being stunned, Salernitana did well thereafter to grow into the game. Yet, gaps in midfield almost gifted yet another to Inter, though Joaquin Correa and Lukaku spurned successive opportunities with weak efforts, neither of which bothered Guillermo Ochoa as much as they should have.
Nonetheless, the hosts managed to keep their deficit to just one goal, keeping alive their already-fading hopes of a third victory in eight top-flight meetings.
However, within no time after the break, Nicolo Barella unleashed a wicked low drive towards the bottom corner, only to see it crash off the woodwork.
That effort seemingly infuriated Paulo Sousa, who then urged his troops to go head-first into challenges, as the Granata adopted a high-pressing formation with the aim of unsettling the Nerazzurri.
Simone Inzaghi’s men didn’t hesitate to attack though, forcing Ochoa into a flurry of world-class saves, before Salernitana upped the ante in search of the equaliser.
A first goal against Inter since 1999 looked less likely with every passing second for the hosts, but their efforts ended up paying dividends in stoppage time, after Candreva unleashed one of the strikes of the season with an absolute banger into the top corner from almost 30 yards, catching Andre Onana off-guard.
The magical goal extends Salernitana’s unbeaten Serie A streak to six games. Meanwhile, Inter are still on the edge in their search for UEFA Champions League qualification.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Guillermo Ochoa (Salernitana)
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