Yann Bisseck scored in the dying moments of stoppage time to salvage a draw for Inter in their pre-season friendly against Pippo Inzaghi’s Pisa. Piotr Zielinski, Nicolò Barella, and Josep Martinez all made starts for Inter, who are preparing to defend their Serie A title from last season.
Coach Simone Inzaghi faced off against his brother Pippo on the sidelines but had a limited squad at his disposal. Lautaro Martinez is still on vacation following his Copa America triumph, Marcus Thuram only rejoined training yesterday, and Mehdi Taremi is sidelined with an injury.
With these absences, Joaquin Correa and Eddie Salcedo led the attack, supported by Zielinski and Barella in midfield. Early on, Barella’s cross found Carlos Augusto, whose header was spectacularly saved. Pisa took the lead in first-half stoppage time when Gabriele Piccinini tapped in a corner that had struck the post.
Substitute Davide Frattesi, assisted by Bisseck, hit the woodwork, while Frattesi’s follow-up attempt was blocked. Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Marko Arnautovic also failed to convert a scramble in the six-yard box. Pisa came close to extending their lead, with Toure hitting an open goal’s post before Bisseck cleared a follow-up off the line.
Barella missed a great chance from close range following a Federico Dimarco cross, and Arnautovic’s effort went over the bar. Mkhitaryan was pushed into a more advanced role to cover gaps in the squad.
As the crowd at Arena Garibaldi grew restless, Inter equalized in stoppage time when Bisseck bundled in a goal from a Hakan Calhanoglu free kick.