Marko Arnautovic played a starring role as Inter Milan extended their lead at the top of Serie A to six points with a 3–1 victory over Cagliari on Saturday, just days before their crucial Champions League quarter-final second leg against Bayern Munich.
With Simone Inzaghi resting regular starter Marcus Thuram in preparation for Wednesday’s European encounter, Arnautovic seized his chance. The Austrian fired Inter into an early lead in the 13th minute and then turned provider, setting up Lautaro Martinez for the second with a sublime sweeping pass 13 minutes later.
Cagliari briefly threatened a fightback after the break, with Roberto Piccoli reducing the deficit, but Inter quickly restored control. Defender Yann Bisseck thumped in a powerful header in the 55th minute to put the result beyond doubt at the San Siro.
The win gives Inter breathing space at the summit ahead of Napoli’s clash with Empoli on Monday, although attention is firmly shifting to Bayern Munich. Inter hold a narrow 2–1 advantage from the first leg in Germany.
“We’ll go into that match full of confidence, even though we know we’re facing one of the top three or four teams in the world,” said Inzaghi. “We need to replicate the tempo, aggression, and organisation we showed in the first leg.”
Despite playing a largely supporting role this season, Arnautovic has proven decisive in recent weeks. Saturday’s strike was his fifth in his last 10 appearances for Inter, further strengthening his case for a place in the squad’s biggest matches.
Inzaghi’s men are daring to dream of replicating their iconic 2010 treble under Jose Mourinho, having already lifted the Supercoppa Italiana and remaining on course in both Serie A and the Champions League.
Arnautovic, now 35, was a fringe player during that historic campaign, joining on loan from FC Twente and making just three appearances. “It was a bit like I was a fan cheering the team on,” he recalled. “Of course we believe in the treble—this is Inter—but there’s still a long road ahead.”
Elsewhere in Serie A
Earlier in the day, Venezia boosted their hopes of survival with a narrow 1–0 win over bottom-placed Monza. That result puts them just two points behind Lecce, who slipped closer to danger after a 2–1 defeat away at Juventus.
Juventus climbed to third in the table on 59 points thanks to a bright start in Turin. Teun Koopmeiners struck in the second minute and Kenan Yildiz doubled the lead before the half-hour mark. Although Federico Baschirotto pulled one back late on for Lecce, Juve held on.
New boss Igor Tudor remains unbeaten three matches into his reign, having replaced the dismissed Thiago Motta. The Bianconeri look on track for a Champions League return and will remain in the top four for at least another week, ahead of Sunday’s fixture between Atalanta and Bologna—two sides hot on their heels.
“Our aim is Champions League football. We must give everything and try to win every remaining game,” said midfielder Manuel Locatelli.
Despite the win, Juventus again looked laboured and risked surrendering their advantage late on, highlighting ongoing concerns over their lack of sharpness.
