Atalanta 0-2 Inter Milan: Nerazzurri defeat La Dea to extend lead atop Serie A to three points
Inter Milan increased their lead at the top of the Serie A table to three points following a 2-0 victory against third-placed Atalanta, marking the latter's third defeat to the Nerazzurri this season without scoring in any competition.
The match, featuring the league's joint-highest scoring teams, saw its first significant opportunity arise in under seven minutes, as a precise pass from Lautaro Martinez broke through the home defense, allowing Marcus Thuram to advance on goal.
Although the striker managed to get past goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi, his shot struck the inside of the post and rebounded out. Atalanta quickly countered with a significant chance of their own just over ten minutes later, but Yann Sommer made an impressive save, denying Mario Pasalic’s header from a cross by Marten de Roon.
Recent matches at the Gewiss Stadium have seen a scarcity of goals, with La Dea's last two home games ending in draws without any goals. As the first half progressed, both teams struggled to find the net, with Alessandro Bastoni and Ademola Lookman coming closest to scoring with their off-target attempts.
However, any aspirations for Gian Piero Gasperini’s team to secure a sixth consecutive league clean sheet were dashed in the ninth minute of the second half. Hakan Calhanoglu delivered a precise corner that was headed in by the unmarked Carlos Augusto, marking his third league goal of the season.
Calhanoglu soon attempted a long-range shot from 25 yards, but Carnesecchi was well-positioned to handle it. Martinez then believed he had doubled the lead, only for his goal to be ruled out due to a foul on Berat Djimsiti during the buildup.
The home team finally managed a shot on target in the second half with ten minutes remaining, but Lazar Samardzic’s weak attempt posed no challenge for Sommer.
The situation worsened for Atalanta when Ederson received two yellow cards in quick succession; first for a foul on Thuram, and then for his reaction to referee Davide Massa’s decision.
SportsLigue