Inter Milan closed the gap on Serie A leaders Atalanta with a stunning 6-0 victory over Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico on Monday, sending a powerful message to the rest of the league. The reigning champions outclassed one of the division’s most in-form teams, staying just three points behind Atalanta with a game in hand.
Simone Inzaghi’s side put in a dominant performance, with goals from Hakan Calhanoglu, Federico Dimarco, Nicolo Barella, and Denzel Dumfries either side of half-time. Carlos Augusto and Marcus Thuram added late strikes to complete the rout.
Next, Inter Milan faces Udinese in the Italian Cup on Thursday before league fixtures against Como and Cagliari. They will then head to Saudi Arabia for the Italian Super Cup semi-final against Atalanta on January 2. Inzaghi remains hopeful that his side can continue their excellent form. “It’s going to be tough, but I hope we put in the same effort and performance as tonight.”
The defeat was a major setback for Lazio, who had been buoyed by impressive away wins at Napoli and Ajax. After the loss, they remain in fifth place, six points behind Atalanta. The crushing defeat ended any hopes of a surprise title challenge, with Lazio coach Marco Baroni taking full responsibility.
The game turned in Inter’s favour when a VAR review awarded them a penalty for a handball by Lazio’s Samuel Gigot. Moments earlier, Inter had a goal disallowed for offside in the same penalty box incident, which angered the hosts. Calhanoglu’s penalty put Inter ahead in the 41st minute, and Dimarco quickly added a second four minutes later.
Any hope of a Lazio comeback was dashed early in the second half when Barella scored a stunning long-range effort in the 51st minute. Dumfries added another two minutes later with a powerful header. Carlos Augusto extended Inter’s lead in the 77th minute before Thuram’s brilliant solo effort capped off an emphatic victory.
With the win, Inter Milan became Serie A’s top scorers, surpassing Atalanta, and proved they are determined to defend their title.
