Serie A leaders Inter Milan claimed a hard-fought 2-1 win against Atalanta in a rain-soaked match in Bergamo on Saturday, with Lautaro Martinez scoring the decisive goal.
Inter now holds a five-point lead over Juventus and a six-point lead over AC Milan, who suffered a 1-0 defeat at home against Udinese. Despite the challenging conditions, Inter displayed relentless determination throughout the game.
Inter faced an early setback when French defender Benjamin Pavard was forced off due to injury in the first half.
Hakan Calhanoglu restored the team’s spirits by confidently converting a penalty kick just before halftime, providing Inter with a welcome break from the rain.
In the 57th minute, the feisty Martinez showcased his skills by curling a shot past two defenders and into the top corner, securing the victory for Inter.
Although Inter lost goalkeeper Andre Onana to Manchester United during the offseason, they signed Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer, who delivered a solid performance with his saves, commanding presence, and mobility.
There was controversy when former West Ham player Gianluca Scammaca’s goal was allowed to stand despite a foul in the build-up, but Atalanta’s chances were diminished when Rafaele Toloi received a straight red card late in the game.
Following this challenging match, Inter can now shift their focus to their upcoming Champions League game against Salzburg on Wednesday, where a victory would secure their place in the last 16.
Meanwhile, reigning Italian champions Napoli defeated local rivals Salernitana 2-0 earlier on Saturday, temporarily moving into the top four.
Although Inter, Juventus, and Milan still maintain their positions ahead of the champions, Napoli seems to be overcoming their early-season struggles under the guidance of French coach Rudi Garcia.
This match could have been a mismatch as Salernitana, currently at the bottom of the table, has yet to secure a victory this season.
Napoli, who will face Union Berlin in the Champions League midweek, played without injured Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen.
In his absence, Giacomo Raspadori scored in the 13th minute, and Macedonian winger Eljif Elmas sealed the win with a curling shot from the left in the 82nd minute.
AC Milan, hoping for a confidence boost ahead of their Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, experienced disappointment as they succumbed to Roberto Pereyra’s 62nd-minute penalty at the San Siro.
Milan unleashed an attacking onslaught in search of an equalizer but failed to find a breakthrough, allowing Udinese to claim all three points.
AFP
