Inter Milan starting XI (3-4-2-1): Sommer, Darmian, De Vrij, Bastoni (subbed for Carlos Augusto), Dumfries (subbed for Luis Henrique), Barella, Asllani (subbed for Sucic), Mkhitaryan (subbed for Carboni), Dimarco, Lautaro Martinez, Thuram (subbed for S.Esposito)
Bench: Di Gennaro, J.Martinez, Calligaris, Acerbi, Palacios, Re Cecconi, Cocchi, Berenbruch, Zalewski, De Pieri
Fluminese starting XI (3-5-2): Fabio, Ignacio, Thiago Silva, Freytes, Xavier, Martinelli (subbed for Hercules), Bernal (subbed for Thiago Santos), Nonato (subbed for Lima), Rene,
Arias, Cano (subbed for Everaldo)
Bench: Eudes, Fuentes, Guga, Manoel, Ganso, Lezcano, Soteldo, Keno, Canobbio, Baya, Berna
Goals: Cano 3’, Hercules 90+3’
The reign of new Inter Milan coach Cristian Chivu, who took over following Simone Inzaghi’s departure just days after that humbling loss to Paris St Germain a month ago, has not started well as they exited the tournament before the quarterfinals.
Fluminense struck after three minutes when Cano pounced on a deflected cross and headed in from close range, putting the ball through goalkeeper Yann Sommer’s legs for a dream start.
The Italians pushed for an equaliser after the break, but were frustrated by a well-organised defence. Stefan de Vrij missed a close-range chance, keeper Fabio denied Sebastiano Esposito with his feet and Lautaro Martinez struck the post.
Substitute Hercules sealed the win for Fluminense three minutes into added time, calmly slotting home from the edge of the box to send the Brazilians through to a last-eight clash with either Manchester City or Al Hilal on Friday in Orlando.
Fluminense played with more poise throughout the match and became the second Brazilian club team to reach the quarterfinals, joining Palmeiras.
Milan certainly had their chances, but couldn’t will the ball into the net.
Lautaro Martinez had a point-blank shot in the second half to level the game, but the ball bounced off the upright.
AAP
