Icardi revives Inter’s Europa hopes

Mauro Icardi’s brace helps Inter Milan beat 10-man Sampdoria 4-0 and boost their hopes Europa League qualification.

Icardi (centre) got the ball rolling for Inter in the 13th minute through the opening goal [AFP]

Mauro Icardi scored twice to help Inter Milan beat 10-man Sampdoria 4-0 in Serie A and boost its hopes of qualifying for the Europa League.

Walter Samuel and Rodrigo Palacio also scored for Inter while Lopez had a penalty saved. Sampdoria played most of the match with 10 men after Eder was shown a second yellow card for his part in a brawl.

Icardi was booed every time he touched the ball by Sampdoria fans but that seemed to spur him on and he fired Inter in front in the 13th minute. Deafening jeers rang out but Icardi celebrated by cupping a hand to his ear and urging the fans on.

Inter doubled its lead on the hour mark when Samuel headed in Hernanes’ corner and Icardi sealed the result minutes later with his second of the match, driving across from a tight angle.

Inter remain fifth but will be boosted by Parma’s 1-1 draw at Bologna and Lazio’s 4-2 defeat at Napoli.

Hellas Verona’s slim European hopes diminished as it lost 5-3 at home to Fiorentina.

Also, Chievo Verona beat Livorno 4-2 in a relegation battle, while Torino snatched a dramatic 2-1 win against Genoa.

Source: AP