Inter Milan reclaimed first place in Serie A with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over AS Roma at the Stadio Olimpico, capitalizing on Napoli’s surprise defeat to move clear at the top of the table. It was a weekend that could be decisive in the early title race, with Simone Inzaghi’s team demonstrating both resilience and tactical maturity.
Calhanoglu and Lautaro Lead the Charge
Inter entered the match in Rome knowing that a win would allow them to leapfrog Napoli, who had suffered a shock 1-0 home loss to Torino earlier that day. Roma, fresh off back-to-back league victories, were determined to spoil the party, and under Daniele De Rossi, they began with energy and purpose.
However, Inter was the first to draw blood. In the 22nd minute, Hakan Calhanoglu converted a low penalty after Roma’s Bryan Cristante brought down Federico Dimarco in the box. The Turkish playmaker, one of Serie A’s most reliable from the spot, sent Rui Patrício the wrong way, making the score 1-0.
However, Roma refused to give in. Just before halftime, Paulo Dybala found space between the lines and threaded a perfect pass to Tammy Abraham, who finished smartly past Yann Sommer to tie the game at 1-1. The Stadio Olimpico erupted, and Inter appeared rattled.
But, as they have done so frequently under Inzaghi, Inter regrouped. Lautaro Martínez scored his 10th league goal in the second half, capitalizing on Gianluca Mancini’s defensive lapse. The Argentine’s finish was pure class, a low drive into the corner that restored Inter’s lead and ultimately sealed the victory.
Defensive Discipline and Midfield Control
After regaining the lead, Inter handled the game with the calm confidence of a team used to winning big games. Nicolò Barella and Henrikh Mkhitaryan controlled the tempo in midfield, while Calhanoglu played as a quarterback.
Roma made a late push, with Dybala and substitute Andrea Belotti forcing Sommer into a couple of smart saves. But Inter’s back line, led by Francesco Acerbi and Benjamin Pavard, held firm.
It was not a spectacular win, but it was a professional one. It was also the type of away performance that championship teams provide: efficient, focused, and ruthless when opportunities arise.
Napoli’s Costly Slip
Earlier that day, Napoli had an opportunity to put pressure on Inter, but instead lost 1-0 to Torino at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino. A second-half goal from Duvan Zapata was enough to hand the reigning champions their second defeat of the season.
Napoli’s attack, led by Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, appeared unusually blunt. Torino’s goalkeeper, Vanja Milinković-Savić, made crucial saves as they dominated possession but did not capitalize on their chances.
That result was costly. Inter’s victory in the capital lifted Inzaghi’s team back to first place in Serie A, two points ahead of Napoli and four ahead of Juventus.
Inter’s Unstoppable Form
Inter has won six of their last seven league games, and it is clear that they are currently the most balanced team in Italy. Lautaro continues to lead by example, and summer signing Marcus Thuram has provided plenty of speed, width, and assists.
Their defensive record remains outstanding, with the fewest goals conceded in the league thus far, and Sommer has quickly adapted as the team’s new No. 1.
Perhaps most importantly, Inter has learned to grind out victories in challenging conditions such as Rome. It’s a sign that this squad, which finished second in the Champions League last season, has matured into a cohesive unit capable of sustaining a title charge.
What’s Next
Inter will then turn their attention to European duty, facing Benfica in the Champions League, while Roma prepare for a difficult away match against Atalanta. Meanwhile, Napoli will look to bounce back when they face Fiorentina in a game that could decide whether they remain serious contenders.
With the season still young, there is plenty of football left to play — but if this weekend is any indication, Inter Milan appears to be the team to beat.