Carlos Augusto played a pivotal role in Inter’s victory over Como, scoring the decisive header and making a crucial clearance to deny an equalizer at San Siro, followed by a stunning goal from Marcus Thuram.
With key defenders Matteo Darmian, Benjamin Pavard, and Francesco Acerbi sidelined, and Stefan de Vrij only able to start on the bench, Inter had to adjust their defensive lineup. Alessandro Bastoni stepped into a central role while Como’s Cesc Fabregas missed Maxi Perrone. However, Sergi Roberto made his first start since his injury on October 25, as Como switched to a three-man defense.
The match began with both teams testing each other; Henrikh Mkhitaryan missed a promising chance, and Nico Paz forced Yann Sommer into action with a long-range effort. Denzel Dumfries squandered a clear opportunity, sending the ball over the bar from 14 yards after Mkhitaryan set him up.
Federico Dimarco had a chance but failed to generate enough power to trouble Pepe Reina in goal for Como. The breakthrough came shortly after halftime when Hakan Calhanoglu delivered a precise corner that Carlos Augusto headed home from close range.
Augusto showcased his defensive prowess an hour into the match with a risky but necessary interception to prevent Edoardo Goldaniga from tapping in an Andrea Belotti cross at the back post. Following this, Sommer was forced to parry away a low shot from Nico Paz during a corner kick.
Inter appeared to have doubled their lead when Dimarco intercepted the ball on the edge of the area, but Lautaro Martinez was ruled offside when his deflected shot found the net.
Como maintained good possession in the closing minutes, but Patrick Cutrone’s header went off target. In stoppage time, Marcus Thuram sealed the victory with a powerful right-footed shot that bent past Reina into the top corner.
Goals: Carlos Augusto 48 (I), Thuram 92 (I)
Inter (3-5-2): Sommer; Bisseck (74′ de Vrij), Bastoni Carlos Augusto; Dumfries, Barella (74′ Zielinski), Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan (88′ Frattesi), Dimarco (80′ Buchanan); Lautaro (88′ Taremi), Thuram.
Como (3-4-2-1): Reina; Goldaniga, Dossena, Kempf (74′ Barba); Van der Brempt, Sergi Roberto (65′ Kone), Da Cunha, Fadera (87′ Cerri); Nico Paz, Strefezza (65′ Cutrone); Belotti (74′ Mazzitelli).
