Reigning Serie A champions Inter Milan notched their first win of the 2024-25 campaign, defeating Lecce 2-0 at the San Siro. Goals from Matteo Darmian and Hakan Calhanoglu propelled the Nerazzurri to victory, while Lecce’s struggles continued.
Inter, coming off a 2-2 draw against Genoa in their season opener, started brightly despite missing key players like Lautaro Martinez and Stefan de Vrij. New signing Mehdi Taremi made his first start for the club, while Piotr Zielinski returned to the bench.
The home side broke the deadlock within five minutes when Darmian capitalized on a deflected Federico Dimarco cross, heading home at the far post. Inter continued to create chances, with Dimarco’s deliveries causing problems for the Lecce defense.
Lecce showed occasional glimpses of threat, with Nikola Krstovic forcing a save from Yann Sommer in the second half. However, Inter’s dominance was rewarded when they were awarded a penalty after Marcus Thuram was fouled in the box. Calhanoglu stepped up to convert, maintaining his flawless record from the spot.
The visitors’ best opportunity came in stoppage time when Medon Berisha’s long-range effort forced a fingertip save from Sommer.
Goals: Darmian 5 (I), Calhanoglu pen 70 (I)
Inter (3-5-2): Sommer; Pavard, Acerbi, Bastoni; Darmian (73′ Dumfries), Barella (73′ Frattesi), Calhanoglu (80′ Asllani), Mkhitaryan, Dimarco (73′ Carlos Augusto); Thuram (76′ Arnautovic), Taremi.
Lecce (4-2-3-1): Falcone; Gendrey, Baschirotto, Gaspar, Gallo; Ramadani, Pierret (85′ Coulibaly); Banda (64′ Tete Morente), Rafia (64′ Pierotti), Dorgu; Krstovic (85′ Berisha).
