The Roster Takes Shape
MILAN (AP) — Inter Milan midfielder Federico Dimarco celebrated his Serie A MVP award by scoring a stunning free kick in a 3-3 draw with Bologna in the final match of the season on Saturday.
The Nerazzurri had already secured the league title and the Italian Cup, so the result at Stadio Renato Dall'Ara mattered little in the standings. Still, Dimarco made it matter on the scoreboard, curling a 25-yard free kick into the top right corner to open the scoring in the first half.
The matchup already has enough history; the job is to keep the reading list shorter than the tension.
Inter coach Cristian Chivu gave players heading to the World Cup an extra week off — Hakan Calhanoglu, Manuel Akanji, Marcus Thuram and Denzel Dumfries — but captain Lautaro Martínez started, having only recently returned from injury and needing the playing time.
The Margins Are Thin
Bologna leveled through Federico Bernardeschi three minutes later and took the lead shortly before halftime when Tommaso Pobega's volley deflected twice on its way in. The home side appeared on course for victory when Piotr Zieliński turned a cross into his own net early in the second half.
But Pio Esposito pulled Inter back in the 64th minute, tapping in a rebound after Andy Diouf's effort bounced off the post. Diouf then leveled the scoring himself in the 86th minute, completing a frantic finish.
Across the city, Pedro gave Lazio a winning farewell in a 2-1 comeback victory at home against already-relegated Pisa. The 38-year-old winger is leaving the capital club after five years.
The Next Test Arrives
Pedro previously played for Barcelona, Chelsea and Roma, winning the World Cup with Spain in 2010 and the European Championship two years later. Lazio players wore a special commemorative patch on their shirts for his final match.
Stefano Moreo headed Pisa in front, but Lazio turned the match around with two goals in as many minutes from Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Pedro.
Most of the rest of the final round of Serie A takes place on Sunday night, with four teams battling for the final two Champions League places and two teams fighting against relegation.