OMNISPORT

Inter continued their winning start under Luciano Spalletti as Mauro Icardi's VAR-awarded penalty and a late stunner from Ivan Perisic secured a 2-0 home victory against Serie A newcomers SPAL.

Referee Claudio Gavillucci gave a free-kick when Joao Mario was scythed down midway through the first half, but after utilising the newly introduced video review system, the official came to the correct decision and, five minutes after the initial foul, Icardi's fifth Serie A goal of the season put Inter ahead.

Facing the San Siro outfit in the top flight for the first time since 1968, SPAL refused to roll over, with Alberto Paloschi and Bartosz Salamon squandering brilliant chances either side of the interval.

Alfred Gomis was in fine form to keep SPAL in the game, while Milan Skriniar's outstanding effort struck the crossbar.

SPAL's efforts ultimately proved fruitless, though, with Perisic, fresh from signing a new five-year contract, powering in Inter's second after 87 minutes.

It represents a third successive top-flight victory for new Inter boss Spalletti, as his side look to challenge the domestic dominance of Juventus.

In-form Inter wasted no time in asserting their authority, with Roberto Gagliardini's rasping drive just inches away from putting the hosts ahead inside five minutes.

SPAL were quick to respond as Paloschi's volley deflected wide off Miranda, but it was Inter who continued to dominate, and Spalletti's side finally made the breakthrough after 27 minutes.

It came courtesy of the VAR system, as after initially awarding Inter a free-kick following a foul on Joao Mario just inside SPAL's area, referee Gavillucci amended his decision and pointed to the spot – Icardi stepping up to send Gomis the wrong way.