Inter Milan triumph over Cagliari to go level with Atalanta

Rome, Dec 29: Inter Milan, the defending Serie A champion, delivered a commanding performance on Saturday, securing a decisive 3-0 victory against Cagliari to move level on points with Atalanta atop the league standings.
With this win, Inter extended their streak of impressive results, showcasing an extraordinary run of form since their 1-0 loss to Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League earlier this month.
In their last four matches across all competitions, Inter has been nothing short of exceptional, scoring 13 goals and conceding none.
Their recent dominance highlights a remarkable recovery from the narrow defeat in Germany, positioning the Nerazzurri as serious contenders in both domestic and European competitions.
Clinical Display at Cagliari
The match against Cagliari was yet another testament to Inter’s formidable strength. Nicolò Barella, a standout performer, was instrumental in the victory, setting up two of the three goals.
After a goalless first half, Inter broke the deadlock shortly after the interval when Alessandro Bastoni capitalized on Barella’s well-timed cross, sending a looping header into the net.
Lautaro Martínez, who had not scored in Serie A for nearly two months, rediscovered his touch with a stunning volley from another Barella assist.
The Argentine forward’s return to form is a promising sign for Inter as they continue their campaign in multiple competitions.
To seal the comprehensive victory, Hakan Çalhanoğlu converted a penalty, capping off a dominant display.
The result not only bolstered Inter’s position in the league but also sent a strong message to their rivals.
League Standings and Upcoming Challenges
The victory moved Inter level on points with Atalanta at the top of the Serie A table. Atalanta, however, still has a game in hand and was set to play Lazio later in the day, aiming to extend their own remarkable winning streak to 12 matches.
Meanwhile, Inter also holds a match in hand, further intensifying the title race.Adding to the excitement, Inter is set to face Atalanta in a highly anticipated clash on Thursday in the semifinals of the Italian Super Cup, which will be held in Saudi Arabia. Juventus and AC Milan will compete in the other semifinal, promising a thrilling competition.
Other Results from Serie A
Elsewhere, Patrick Vieira’s Genoa claimed a 2-1 victory over Empoli, with goals from Milan Badelj and Caleb Ekuban ensuring the win. Meanwhile, Parma edged past last-placed Monza 2-1 in dramatic fashion. Lautaro Rodrigo Valenti’s header, eight minutes into stoppage time, spoiled the debut of Monza’s new coach, Salvatore Bocchetti.As Serie A heads into a critical phase, Inter Milan’s resurgence and the fierce competition at the top promise an enthralling season ahead for fans and followers of Italian football.Inter Milan’s commanding win against Cagliari not only underscores their resurgence but also sets the tone for an electrifying title race in Serie A. With their clinical performances and a squad firing on all cylinders, the Nerazzurri have firmly re-established themselves as formidable contenders. (AP)