Inter Milan secured a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory against a resilient Urawa Red Diamonds at Lumen Field, keeping their FIFA Club World Cup hopes alive.
Urawa stunned Inter in the 11th minute with Ryoma Watanabe’s goal, leading for much of the match despite Inter’s dominant possession.
The Italian side, under new coach Cristian Chivu, struggled to convert numerous chances, with their finishing proving wayward for the majority of the game.
However, Inter’s persistence paid off in the dying moments. Captain Lautaro Martinez finally broke Urawa’s stubborn defense with a sublime overhead kick in the 77th minute, leveling the score with Inter’s first shot on target.
Then, in the 92nd minute, substitute Valentin Carboni pounced on a rebound to secure the crucial three points and spark wild celebrations, simultaneously eliminating the Japanese side from the tournament.
The win puts Inter Milan on four points, level with Group E leaders River Plate on goal difference. Inter will face River Plate in a decisive final group game on Thursday.
