Inter Milan Edges Fiorentina with Arnautovic's Late Header

Inter Milan clinched a 2-1 home victory over Fiorentina on Monday, with a second-half header from substitute Marko Arnautovic keeping them in close pursuit of Serie A leaders Napoli.

This win was crucial for second-placed Inter, who now have 54 points, narrowing the gap to just one point behind Napoli.

Inter hosted Fiorentina just four days after their previous Serie A encounter, marking one of the shortest gaps in league history. Fiorentina had previously secured a 3-0 win in a match that was suspended in the 17th minute on December 1 after midfielder Edoardo Bove suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch.

Inter dominated much of the match, pressing early and creating several opportunities, with Carlos Augusto and Lautaro Martinez both hitting the woodwork in quick succession.

However, their momentum was briefly interrupted when striker Marcus Thuram, who had been limping, was forced to leave the field and was replaced by Arnautovic.

Despite their control of the game, Inter took the lead only due to an own goal by Fiorentina's Marin Pongracic, who inadvertently headed the ball into his own net from a corner in the 28th minute.

Fiorentina managed to equalize just before halftime, with Rolando Mandragora converting a penalty after Matteo Darmian handled a cross.

Seven minutes into the second half, Arnautovic restored Inter's lead with a close-range header from a cross, securing all three points for his team.