The atmosphere at the Stadio Olimpico was electric as Inter Milan showcased what can only be described as pure dominance against Lazio, clinching a staggering 6-0 victory. For the Lazio fans, it was a night to forget, but for the Nerazzurri supporters, it was nothing short of exhilarating.
Lazio, who came off on the back of their success against Ajax, started the match with high hopes. They pressed forward aggressively, showcasing their attacking prowess but soon fell victim to Inter’s swift counterattacks. Coach Simone Baroni’s squad seemed poised early on, with their pressing strategy catching Inter off-guard. Nevertheless, they underestimated the sharpness and tactical savvy of the Italian champions.
Within the first half, the encounter saw lots of back-and-forth action. Inter looked comfortable, absorbing the early pressure from Lazio. The turning point came at the 35-minute mark when Hakan Çalhanoğlu converted from the penalty spot, following some chaotic defending from Lazio's Gila. After his handball last week against Napoli, Çalhanoğlu was eager to make amends. His confidently struck penalty ignited Inter's momentum.
Just before the halftime whistle, it was Federico Dimarco who doubled the lead for Inter with precision, capitalizing on the lazy defending from Lazio. A beautiful right-wing cross by Denzel Dumfries set up the goal, and Dimarco found himself unmarked to score with ease, burying the hopes of the Lazio supporters.
After the break, the onslaught continued. Captain Nicolò Barella made it 3-0 shortly after the restart, unleashing a stunning shot from the edge of the box, showing no mercy as he found the roof of the net. While Barella's performance was nothing short of stellar, it later turned bittersweet as he sustained what appeared to be a muscle injury and was replaced by Zielinski. Initial assessments suggest it might only be a minor contracture, but subsequent evaluations will determine the severity.
Inter's fourth goal arrived from Dumfries, who cleverly capitalized on more lax marking by Lazio on the hour mark. Another expertly timed run and header showcased Inter's tactical brilliance, pushing the score to 4-0 and leaving Lazio scrambling.
Carlos Augusto added the fifth shortly afterward, finishing from close range after some disjointed defensive lapses from Lazio. The final nail was hammered home by Marcus Thuram late game, marking his 11th league goal, as he completed the rout at 90 minutes. Each goal represented not just individual brilliance, but collective synergy which Coach Simone INzaghi has worked hard to develop.
This match was typified by Inter's clinical efficiency, taking their chances with cold precision. Their victory served as both a reminder of their status as defending champions and as a wake-up call to the other Serie A teams who might have considered them vulnerable this season.
On the other hand, Lazio will need to regroup quickly after such a damaging defeat. The 6-0 loss is not just about the scoreline but also the psychological impact on the squad's morale. Despite the initial promise shown, the game spiraled out of control, raising questions about their defense and tactical approach against stronger sides.
For now, Inter has sent out a strong message: the champions are hungry and ready to reclaim their spot at the top of Serie A. This match against Lazio firmly places them back on track as they pursue their ambitions this season, with eyes steadily fixed on regaining the Scudetto.
Looking forward, Inter will need to maintain their intensity and energy, especially as they prepare for the upcoming schedule. The next matches will be pivotal for assessing their strength and consistency, especially with the Fiorentina game waiting to be rescheduled.
