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Napoli logo
Serie A
Mar 8, 2015 at 7.45pm UK
 
Inter logo

2-2

Hamsik (51'), Higuain (63')
FT(HT: 0-0)
Palacio (72'), Icardi (87' pen.)

Napoli stunned by Inter Milan fightback

Mauro Icardi's late penalty earns a point for Inter Milan in a dramatic 2-2 draw with Napoli at the Stadio San Paolo.

Mauro Icardi scored a late penalty as Inter Milan came from two goals behind to claim a 2-2 draw against Napoli at the Stadio San Paolo.

Napoli's Slovak forward Marek Hamsik (L) celebrates with teammates after scoring during the Italian Serie A football match SSC Napoli vs FC Internazionale Milano on March 08, 2015© Getty Images

The first half suggested that it could be a frustrating evening for the home fans as Samir Handanovic twice made good saves to deny Gonzalo Higuain after the Argentine forward was gifted space by a vulnerable Inter defence.

Inter struggled to provide any kind of attacking threat as Napoli continued to dominate possession, but a lack of a clinical edge stalled the home side's progress.

A fine run on the left wing from Dries Mertens should have produced the first goal when the Belgian crossed for Higuain, who somehow managed to volley over from close range.

Napoli took a deserved lead six minutes into the second half when Henrique found the space on the right to deliver a cross which was headed home at the near post by Marek Hamsik.

Hamsik turned provider after the hour mark with a clever pass to Higuain, who ended his frustrating night by curling an unstoppable strike past Handanovic from 25 yards.

Napoli's Argentinian forward Gonzalo Higuain (R) scores against Inter Milan's Brazilian defender Juan Jesus during the Italian Serie A football match on March 8, 2015© Getty Images

Despite struggling to cause problems for the hosts throughout the night, Inter set up a dramatic finish when Fredy Guarin found space in the box to allow Rodrigo Palacio to convert after latching on to the loose ball.

Inter were gifted a chance to snatch a point when Rodrigo went down in the box under pressure from Henrique, who picked up a second yellow card to leave Napoli with 10 men for the closing stages.

Icardi was trusted to take the penalty, and the forward held his nerve with a chipped finish from 12 yards to clinch the draw for Roberto Mancini's side.

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Nicolas Burdisso of Genoa and Gonzalo Higuain of Napoli in action during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Genoa CFC at Stadio San Paolo on January 26, 2015
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