Inter Milan climb to the top of Serie A after beating Genoa, capitalizing on dropped points for AC Milan and Napoli over the weekend.
Inter Milan moved to the top of Serie A after a decisive weekend in the title race. Cristian Chivu’s side claimed a 2-1 away win at Genoa. Earlier slip ups from AC Milan and Napoli opened the door.AC Milan were held to a 2-2 draw by Sassuolo at San Siro. Napoli then missed their chance by losing 1-0 at Udinese. Inter made sure those results did not go to waste. The Nerazzurri now sit one point clear at the summit. Momentum has shifted again in a tightly contested season. Inter look well placed after another controlled display.
Inter wasted little time asserting themselves in Genoa. They took the lead after just six minutes. Lautaro Martinez pressed aggressively before laying the ball off to Yann Bisseck. The defender cut inside from the right and fired a low shot past Nicola Leali. It was an unlikely scorer but a deserved early breakthrough. Genoa struggled to settle after that blow. Inter continued to play on the front foot. Pio Esposito and Martinez combined well between the lines. Leali was forced into several early saves.
Inter doubled their advantage in the 38th minute. Martinez again played a central role. He shrugged off pressure inside the box and finished low into the corner. It was a captain’s contribution on a big night. Martinez ended the game with five shots. Four of those tested the goalkeeper. Inter could have added a third before the break. Martinez was denied again in stoppage time. Genoa reached half time relieved to still be in the contest. Genoa push back after the break
Inter dropped their tempo early in the second half. Genoa took advantage and grew into the game. Their pressure finally paid off in the 68th minute. Vitinha collected a deflected cross and calmly rounded Yann Sommer. The goal set up a tense finish. The home crowd sensed a possible turnaround. Chivu responded by reshaping his midfield. Inter focused on control rather than risk. Sommer was called upon to make key saves late on.
Inter have now scored in 14 of their 15 league matches this season. No other side can match that consistency. Their attacking balance remains a major strength. Martinez leads Serie A with eight goals. He has also provided three assists. His influence was clear again in Genoa. Inter generated 18 shots in total. Genoa managed only five. The visitors also ended a long wait for an away win at this ground.
Bisseck’s early goal changed the tone of the match. Martinez then took control with his movement and finishing. Sommer’s late saves ensured there was no collapse. Esposito impressed with his link play. Sucic also played a part in Inter’s fluid buildup. Genoa lacked cutting edge when it mattered.
Inter now turn their focus to their Super Coppa fixture against Bologna in midweek. Their next Serie A fixture will be against Atalanta on December 28th, where they will look to protect their narrow lead. Confidence is high after back-to-back strong performances. Chivu will demand the same intensity. AC Milan and Napoli also return to league action where they both must respond quickly after costly dropped points. The title race remains tight, but Inter hold the advantage for now.
