Inter Milan Struke Late To Win Against Atalanta

 

Picture source: TNT Sports

Inter Milan claimed a crucial 1–0 on the road to Atalanta in a tightly contested Serie A encounter, with Lautaro Martínez once again proving decisive in a match defined by VAR drama and late pressure from the hosts.

For Inter to stay atop the Serie A table, they needed to win. Last week, they were eliminated from the Supercoppa Italiana by Bologna on penalties. With a marginal gap between them and AC Milan, maintaining their winning form is crucial to staying ahead. 

Atalanta were tough in the game, and Inter thought they had secured what should be an opening goal in the 35th minute. Thuram found the net, guiding a shot to beat Carnescchi to the right post. The goal that was initially awarded was reviewed and ruled the goal out for offside. 

The decisive moment arrived in the 65th minute. Francesco Pio Esposito, who came in as a substitute, slipped a perfect pass into the box. Lautaro Martínez timed his run to get to the ball and finished off calmly with his left foot straight down the middle.

Inter remained unbeaten in their previous five Serie A games, leading the table by a point over the nearest rivals, AC Milan. Entering the second phase of the season with a marginal lead throws the title race open among the top four. 

Overview 

From the opening whistle in Bergamo, Inter asserted themselves with confidence, dominating early possession and forcing Atalanta onto the back foot. Federico Dimarco and Hakan Çalhanoğlu were heavily involved down the left, supplying a series of dangerous crosses and corners that tested Atalanta’s defensive structure. Marco Carnesecchi, however, stood firm in goal, denying efforts from Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martínez to keep the score level.

The second half brought renewed intensity. Atalanta pushed with more aggression, creating their best chance just minutes after the restart when Éderson’s close-range header sailed narrowly over the bar. Inter's resolve was unwavering, despite their initial setback from the ruled out from Thuram.