On Friday, Inter Milan defeated Atalanta 4-0 to take the lead in Serie A, while Torino secured a thrilling 1-0 victory against Venezia to maintain their unbeaten start to the season.
Italian champions Inter had a resounding performance at a scorching San Siro, sending a message to any challengers to their league title.
Nicolo Barella scored a spectacular volley seven minutes after the unfortunate Berat Djimsiti deflected Marcus Thuram’s low cross past his own goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi to give the hosts the lead in the third minute.
Simone Inzaghi’s team didn’t let up until Thuram, a forward from France, finished off another strong individual performance with goals in the 47th and 56th minutes.
Atalanta withered in the face of Inter’s offensive assault, and Federico Dimarco also had a close-range effort disallowed for a tight offside. Inter’s dominant performance showcased their strength and determination to defend their league title. The victory solidified their position at the top of the Serie A table, sending a clear message to all challengers.
Coach Gian Piero Gasperini of Atalanta, whose squad entered the season with great expectations after winning the Europa League the previous season—their first major title since 1963—will be concerned over Friday’s performance.
After Saul Coco’s spectacular header in the 86th minute secured a thrilling victory on the Venice Lagoon, Torino, who are now equal with Inter on seven points, has also been defeated by the Bergamo squad.
Juventus can reclaim the top spot from Inter if they defeat Roma on Sunday night and continue their unbeaten start to the season.
