FORMER Manchester United star Matteo Darmian left his boss Simone Inzaghi raging after a truly awful in-game decision.
The Inter Milan star wasted a huge opportunity during the second half of his team’s showdown with Man City.
Darmian was played through on goal with the scores level at 0-0 in the second half at the Etihad.
Bearing down on City keeper Ederson, the ex-Red Devils defender looked certain to score.
But he bizarrely decided to back-heel the ball rather than strike at goal.
With no teammates directly behind him, it allowed a backtracking Jack Grealish to clear.
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Inter boss Inzaghi had run along the touchline in anticipation of the net rippling.
But he was instead caught by TNT cameras throwing his hands up in disbelief, screaming at Darmian over his rash decision-making.
One stunned fan responded on X: “That chance will come to haunt them.”
While another laughed: “Come on he’s not that talented.”
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Neither team could find a breakthrough in Manchester as City drew a blank in their Champions League opener.
Pep Guardiola’s side rattled in 23 shots but couldn’t find a way past an inspired Yann Sommer in the Inter goal.
As well as dropping points on home soil, City fans will now be monitoring the fitness of star man Kevin De Bruyne.
The Belgian was substituted at half-time following an injury concern.
De Bruyne appeared to be in some discomfort shortly before the break as he pulled up after a sprint.
What will happen to Man City?
MAN CITY are favourites to win the Premier League title yet again – but there is one elephant in the room that threatens to put the skids under the Etihad giants.
Sunsport’s MARTIN LIPTON discusses what the next few months could hold with Head of Sport SHAUN CUSTIS….
Custis: So the big question – will there be a resolution this season?
Lipton: Yes…. probably! We know the case will start to be dealt with in October or November.
It will take at least a month to go through the evidence. So I suspect around March, April time, we will get a result. But that’s where it starts to get tricky.
Custis: Why is that?
Lipton: If the result is in City’s favour, that’s the end of the matter. They will be cleared. They will have no punishment to face.
But if City are found guilty, these will be the heaviest penalties ever imposed by the Premier League.
I suspect if they are found guilty, they will be expelled from the league or given a massive points deduction and a huge fine so that they’re not in the Premier League next season.
Check out the full discussion on Man City’s future.
Physios came on to talk to the playmaker, who continued until the whistle.
But he didn’t emerge for the second half, with Ilkay Gundogan taking his place.
Prem leaders City are next in action on Sunday as they host second-placed Arsenal at the Etihad.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
