Alessandro Bastoni’s header, Lautaro Martinez’s first aim since November 3 and a Hakan Calhanoglu penalty despatched Inter high of Serie A with a fifth successive league victory because the reigning champions gained 3-0 at cussed Cagliari on Saturday.
Centre-back Bastoni looped former Cagliari midfielder Nicolo Barella’s free-kick over goalkeeper Simone Scuffet within the 54th minute to place Inter on their technique to shifting above Atalanta on aim distinction, in addition to two factors away from third-placed Napoli.
Martinez ended his barren run by volleying in 19 minutes from time and Calhanoglu despatched Scuffet the mistaken manner seven minutes later after Mateusz Wieteska was adjudged to have dealt with contained in the field.
The outcome stored Cagliari within the relegation zone with a fourth straight league defeat, though Fifteenth-placed Lecce are solely two factors above Gli Isolani.
Cagliari have held Milan, Juventus and Roma this season, and Davide Nicola’s aspect nearly equalised shortly earlier than Martinez struck, just for Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer to bravely deny Roberto Piccoli when the striker ran via on aim.
Martinez had the very best likelihood of the primary half, contriving to move Calhanoglu’s Twenty eighth-minute cross off the road in a very wasteful effort.
Piccoli might need put Cagliari forward had he reached a supply 5 minutes later, and Scuffet stored Barella’s half-volley out with the interval closing in.
Former Fiorentina, Everton and Barcelona defender Yerry Mina was a nuisance to Inter earlier than the break however was changed for the second half by Wieteska due to a calf harm.
Atalanta can overtake Inter after they go to fourth-placed Lazio on Saturday (7.45pm GMT), whereas Napoli are at dwelling to second-bottom Venezia on Sunday (2pm).
Serie A outcomes at present: Genoa beat Empoli
Elsewhere in Serie A on Saturday, second-half objectives by Milan Badelj and Caleb Ekuban gave Genoa a 2-1 win at Twelfth-placed Empoli, with whom they moved stage on factors.
Sebastiano Esposito had an opportunity to equalise from the penalty spot after Badelj’s opener, solely to see participant of the match Nicola Leali flip his strike towards the woodwork.
On-loan Inter ahead Esposito loved a measure of redemption when he replied 16 minutes from time in Empoli’s third consecutive one-goal defeat.
PARMA HAVE SCORED IN THE FINAL SECONDS!!! 🚨🚨🚨#ParmaMonza 2-1 pic.twitter.com/ec1CwaIOtU
— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) December 28, 2024
Parma left it till the 98th minute to maneuver 4 factors away from the relegation zone with a 2-1 dwelling win over Monza, Lautaro Valenti settling the competition.
In new Monza supervisor Salvatore Bocchetti’s first match, Pablo Mari was dismissed for the underside aspect for a second yellow card within the 54th minute following a Video Assistant Referee assessment, with Hernani changing the ensuing penalty.
Pedro Pereira’s equaliser 5 minutes from the tip of standard time supplied solely transient hope for the guests, who’re 5 factors from security.
