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Zlatan Ibrahimovic's brace revived Inter's fortunes as they swept Sampdoria aside 3-0.
Roberto Mancini was coming under increasing pressure following disappointing results both domestically and in Europe. The 2-2 draw at Livorno prompted alarm bells and earned Douglas Maicon a four-match ban. Mancio had to beat the club where he spent most of his playing career and they were also struggling after their dismal derby draw, but Vincenzo Montella and Antonio Cassano were working their way towards full fitness.
Sampdoria last won here in Serie A with an epic 4-3 result on December 15, 1996. Both Montella and Mancini were on the scoresheet.
Andrea Caracciolo wasted an early chance for the Blucerchiati, then Paolo Sammarco drilled wide from distance, as Inter kept the ball but struggled to create many opportunities.
It took a moment of individual brilliance to break through and it came from Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The Swede launched forward into space and unleashed a left-foot rocket from distance for his fifth goal of the season.
Cesar Aparecido flashed a shot across the face of goal, but Inter doubled their lead just after half-time.
Ibrahimovic did everything himself, fighting for the ball between two defenders on the edge of the box, turning them to rush in and smash a left-foot screamer past a helpless Antonio Mirante.
Antonio Cassano was thrown on and looked livelier than his teammates, but Inter went 3-0 up.
Luis Figo was inspirational in midfield and secured the third goal, combining with Hernan Crespo to blast a right-foot strike under the crossbar.
Olivier Dacourt went close to a fourth, his long-range drive skimming the frame of the goal, and Esteban Cambiasso and Maxwell also fired just wide.
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