Edin Dzeko delivered his verdict on making an immediate impact against Sassuolo as Inter came from behind to steal all three points at the Mapei Stadium. Though Domenico Berardi gave the hosts a half-time lead, the reigning champions bounced back in the second half to claim a 2-1 victory on Saturday night.
Sassuolo and Inter fought neck-and-neck in Emilia-Romagna, but it was Inter to came out on top of an enthralling Serie A fixture. Dzeko, who came on as a substitute midway through the second half to orchestrate his side’s breathtaking comeback, did not stay immune to his charming display at the Mapei Stadium.
“I’ve scored plenty of goals in my, time but I don’t think I’ve ever scored with my first touch,” the Bosnian told Inter’s official website in the aftermath.
“We showed real character today. Unfortunately, we made it hard for ourselves by conceding, but you can’t always play well. We were up against a tough opponent today and at the end of the day it’s the result that really matters.”
It took Dzeko just 33 seconds of action to draw Inter level against Sassuolo, scoring a diving header to cancel out Berardi’s first-half opener. The 35-year-old striker won a penalty in the 78th minute, with Lautaro Martinez scoring from the spot to complete the turnaround and maintain Inter’s unbeaten start to this league season.
The Nerazzurri have now won five of their inaugural seven Serie A fixtures, drawing the other two, as they trail top-placed Napoli by a mere point. However, the Partenopei will have a chance to extend their lead at the summit when they take on Fiorentina at the Artemio Franchi on Sunday evening.
Meanwhile, Dzeko himself has enjoyed a stellar start to his Inter adventure, netting six times in his seven Serie A appearances for the new employers. The veteran marksman is currently level with Lazio talisman Ciro Immobile at the top of the scoring board in Italy, having scored one more goal than his Nerazzurri teammate Martinez.
