Inter still Serie A "champions-in-waiting" despite Cagliari draw

Inter Milan’s draw against Cagliari yesterday evening only delayed the inevitable as far as the destination of the Serie A title is concerned.

This is the view in today’s print edition of Rome-based newspaper Corriere dello Sport, via FCInterNews.

Inter’s season hit what has been a relatively rare snag at the San Siro yesterday evening.

For the sixth time in 32 matches, the Nerazzurri failed to take three points. They drew for the fifth time.

Inter had found the lead twice against relegation-battling Cagliari.

But the Rossoblu did very well to find a foothold in the match, staying in it rather than crumbling under the pressure.

And Cagliari punished Inter for a bit of complacency and casualness. They equalized twice.

The match had a grandstand finish of sorts, as well. Inter threw bodies forward and battered the Cagliari penalty area in search of a goal that would put them ahead a third time.

And then the best chance of the final stages belonged to Cagliari, who had a glorious opportunity on the counterattack.

But in the end, the two teams shared the spoils at the San Siro.

Yesterday’s result was certainly a very significant one in the Serie A relegation battle.

Every point is going to be precious for Cagliari. And the Sardinians got a big one, from what seemed the most improbable of circumstances, having also beaten Atalanta the previous weekend.

As far as the other end of the table goes, however, the draw made little difference.

Not least because AC Milan – Inter’s closest challenges – had themselves drawn their match against Sassuolo this weekend.

Therefore, the gap between the city rivals remains thirteen points.

But even if the Rossoneri had won – and even if the Nerazzurri had lost – the gap would have been massive no matter what.

It remains, barring a truly historic Inter collapse, a matter of “when” rather than “if” Inter clinch the title.