Inter Milan surged to the top of Serie A on Saturday with a dominant 5-0 victory over struggling Verona, netting all five goals in a sensational first half at the Stadio Bentegodi. The result moves Simone Inzaghi’s side two points clear of Napoli, at least temporarily.
The Italian champions overwhelmed Verona with a brace from Marcus Thuram, supported by goals from Joaquin Correa, Stefan de Vrij, and Yann Bisseck. Atalanta, however, could reclaim the top spot on goal difference if they defeat promoted Parma later on Saturday, while Napoli face Roma on Sunday in Claudio Ranieri’s Serie A managerial return.
Elsewhere, Juventus will have the opportunity to leapfrog Napoli into second place when they take on AC Milan at the San Siro.
Correa, stepping in for flu-stricken Lautaro Martinez, opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a clever dinked finish following neat interplay with Thuram. It marked the Argentine’s first Serie A goal in over two years and a remarkable comeback for a player who had only played 38 minutes all season before this weekend.
The 30-year-old was instrumental throughout, striking the woodwork twice and assisting Thuram’s two quick-fire goals. Thuram’s strikes came within three minutes of each other, both following impressive dribbles around Verona goalkeeper Lorenzo Montipo.
De Vrij and Bisseck rounded off the rout with powerful finishes, the latter also set up by the influential Correa. The home crowd, already disheartened, vented their frustrations with boos and chants demanding more fight from their team.
Verona’s woes continue as they sit 14th in the league table, just three points above the relegation zone after losing nine of their 13 matches this season.
