Southampton were defeated by Inter Milan at the San Siro after a second-half goal from Antonio Candreva.
The Saints almost got off to the worst possible start after a mistake from Cuco Martina gifted Inter forward Mauro Icardi a great chance, but his back-heel effort was deflected behind for a corner.
Claude Puel’s side grew into the game and were on top for the majority of the first half. Both Jay Rodriguez and James Ward-Prowse scuppered good opportunities and they will have felt unlucky not to go in at half-time in the lead.
Just under 7000 fans reportedly made the mid-week trip to Italy for tonight’s game, and the Southampton faithful were in fine voice.
Just under 7000 #Southampton fans belting out "Oh when the Saints go marching in" in the San Siro tonight. ?? pic.twitter.com/x4OPJhgXoF
— The Away Fans Videos (@TheAwayFansVids) October 20, 2016
The second-half began in similar fashion to the first, with Southampton looking disjointed. Shane Long was withdrawn merely three minutes into the second period, replaced by Charlie Austin who struggled to have any considerable impact on the game.
It was Inter who broke the deadlock in the 66th minute as Italian international Antonio Candreva fired past goalkeeper Fraser Forster into the top corner.
Antonio Candreva's goal gives Inter a 1-0 victory over Southampton #EuropaLeague pic.twitter.com/YIzVSy8UUI
— Serie A News (@TransfersCalcio) October 20, 2016
Inter’s Marcelo Brozovic was sent off ten minutes later after a strong challenge on Saints forward Rodriguez earned him a second yellow card and an early bath. Southampton were unable to make the most of the one-man advantage and it’s Inter who walk away victorious this evening.
Southampton now sit in 3rd position in Group K, behind Hapoel Be’er Sheva on goal-difference and trailing leaders Sparta Prague by one point.