In a tense Serie A clash at the Stadio Olimpico, Inter Milan emerged victorious with a 1-0 win over Roma, overcoming the loss of two key players to injury in the opening 30 minutes. Lautaro Martinez proved to be the match-winner, capitalizing on a swift counter-attack following a squandered Roma corner.
The match began with both teams at full strength, as Paulo Dybala returned to Roma’s starting lineup after a month-long absence, while Inter welcomed back Nicolò Barella from a muscular injury. However, Inter’s plans were quickly disrupted when Hakan Calhanoglu was forced off with a left thigh issue, followed shortly by Francesco Acerbi’s departure due to a similar muscular problem.
Despite these setbacks, Inter created several promising opportunities. Marcus Thuram tested Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar early on, while Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s powerful effort struck the crossbar. Roma also had their chances, with Lorenzo Pellegrini coming close on multiple occasions.
The decisive moment came on the hour mark. As Roma pushed forward for a corner, Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer’s punch clearance fell to Nicola Zalewski, who stumbled. This allowed Davide Frattesi to launch a rapid counter-attack. Zeki Celik’s attempted interception failed, leaving Lautaro Martinez free to fire home from 16 yards out. This goal marked Martinez’s 133rd for Inter, equaling Istvan Nyers’ club record for a foreign player.
Inter nearly doubled their lead moments later when Thuram’s clever chip over Svilar was dramatically cleared off the line by Celik. Roma pressed for an equalizer in the closing stages, with Dybala and Artem Dovbyk both coming close, but Inter’s defence held firm.
The victory solidifies Inter’s position near the top of the Serie A table, while Roma will rue their missed opportunities in a closely contested match.
Goals: Lautaro Martinez 60 (I)
Roma (3-4-2-1): Svilar; Mancini, Ndicka, Angelino (dal 78′ Hermoso); Celik, Koné (dal 53′ Pisilli), Cristante (dal 78′ Le Fee), Zalewski (dal 72′ Baldanzi); Dybala (dal 78′ Soulé), Pellagrini; Dovbyk
Inter (3-5-2): Sommer; Pavard, Acerbi (dal 27′ De Vrij), Bastoni (dal 72′ Bisseck); Darmian (dal 72′ Dumfries), Barella, Calhanoglu (dal 12′ Frattesi), Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Thuram, Lautaro Martinez (dal 72′ Correa)
