Asllani delivers for Inter Milan before likely farewell

Kristjan Asllani scores the winning penalty against Verona and sends a message ahead of the crucial Champions League clash with Barcelona

The Albanian midfielder earned a moment of real satisfaction, deciding the Serie A match against Verona.

While waiting for Tuesday night’s massive Champions League semifinal second leg against Barcelona, Inter Milan took care of business in Serie A by beating Verona, keeping their Scudetto hopes mathematically alive. 

The match-winner was Kristjan Asllani, who calmly converted a penalty. It was a meaningful moment for the Albanian midfielder, largely kept out of the spotlight this season by starter Hakan Çalhanoğlu, and often a target for criticism.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport via Fcinter1908.it, the goal might not change Asllani’s fate, but it sent a message:
"Asllani has proven to be a reliable backup. On his first Serie A penalty – and first with Inter Milan – he didn’t flinch, just like Hakan would have. 

It was a message for himself, and for Simone Inzaghi too: if the team needs a pair of calm feet in a semifinal that could go beyond 90 minutes and into extra time, everyone is now on notice. Kristjan is ready and won’t back down."

A cool finish, a statement made, and a farewell in sight

"It could be the perfect way to say goodbye to a stadium that welcomed him with hope, grew impatient over time, and even booed him recently. 

Asllani suffered, took responsibility, and always claimed to give his best. Now, with his Inter Milan future seemingly sealed – he’s set to leave at the end of the season – Kristjan looks touched by the kind of calm and lightness that had often eluded him."