ROME, Sep 19: Even without Romelu Lukaku and Antonio Conte, Inter Milan seems intent on successfully defending its Serie A title.
The Nerazzurri completely overwhelmed visiting Bologna 6-1 on Saturday to extend their unbeaten start to the Italian league.
Substitute Edin Džeko scored two late goals after Lautaro Martinez, Milan Skriniar, Nicolò Barella and Matias Vecino gave the hosts a four-goal cushion.
Arthur Theate pulled one back for Bologna four minutes from time.
The victory provided some welcome relief following two frustrating performances for Inter: A draw at Sampdoria last weekend and a loss at home to Real Madrid in the Champions League.
Inter moved atop the standings, one point above Roma, AC Milan, Napoli and Fiorentina.
There had been concern about Inter’s status after Conte surprisingly left the team in May.
Lautaro started things off against Bologna by redirecting a cross from Denzel Dumfries six minutes in at the San Siro.
Skriniar then rose uncontested to meet a corner with an on-target header on the half-hour mark and Barella concluded another devastating counterattack four minutes later.
After the break, Vecino scored with a tap-in then Džeko scored through the goalkeeper’s legs for his first and fired in from a sharp angle for his second. (AP)
