Inter Milan secured a convincing 3-0 victory against Cagliari on December 28, 2024, showcasing their dominance and marking a significant return to form for captain Lautaro Martinez. This win was more than just three points; it didn’t merely wrap up the calendar year for Inter; it also solidified their position as contenders for the Serie A title as they temporarily matched league leaders Atalanta.
The match took place at the Unipol Domus stadium where Cagliari, searching for redemption, had already lost three consecutive matches. There were high hopes with the return of Yerry Mina, even though Zito Luvumbo was still sidelined. For Inter, Stefan de Vrij made his return to the starting lineup after overcoming knee problems, but the squad still lacked the likes of Matteo Darmian, Francesco Acerbi, and Benjamin Pavard.
The match started explosively with Inter quickly establishing their attacking intent. Just three minutes in, Marcus Thuram had the first real chance of the game with his powerful volley being saved by Simone Scuffet. Cagliari, determined not to be outdone, responded with some offensive pressure of their own, particularly from set pieces, but lacked the precision required to convert their opportunities.
Despite the back and forth action, it was clear Inter was the team creating the bulk of scoring chances. Henrikh Mkhitaryan missed on what should have been an easy tap-in, after Scuffet's mistake led to another near miss for the Nerazzurri. The first half ended without any goals, but it was clear the potential for fireworks was building.
The breakthrough came shortly after the half-time break. Inter's persistence paid off when Alessandro Bastoni scored the opener. Following some miscommunication from Cagliari’s defense, Nicolò Barella delivered a cleverly weighted cross to the back post, allowing Bastoni to head it home from what seemed like the tightest of angles, catching Scuffet off guard. It was exactly what Inter needed to set the tone for the second half.
With the momentum firmly with them, Inter continued to press. Lautaro Martinez, who had gone almost two months without finding the net, finally ended his drought. After another well-placed cross from Barella, Martinez slipped through Cagliari's defense and executed a perfectly timed run to meet the ball at the back post. His sliding finish not only amplified the score to 2-0 but also marked his return to scoring form.
Cagliari, on the other hand, seemed to falter under pressure. Mateusz Wieteska committed a foul by handling the ball during a set piece, leading to yet another setback for the home side. The referee awarded Inter the penalty which Hakan Çalhanoğlu confidently converted, finding the net for the final goal of the match and sealing the 3-0 victory.
Jan Sommer, Inter's goalkeeper, played his part too, ensuring his team preserved their clean sheet with several key saves, including one against Mattia Felici late on. Cagliari's woes deepened as they faced their fourth straight defeat, leaving them stranded with just 14 points, firmly entrenched in the relegation zone.
This victory not only highlighted Inter's prowess but also demonstrated their ability to perform under pressure as they shift focus to their next fixture following the New Year. Lautaro Martinez’s goal was particularly significant, providing him with much-needed confidence after struggling to find the back of the net for so long.
Simone Insaghi, Inter's coach, praised the discipline and performance of his players, emphasizing the importance of maintaining this momentum as the Serie A campaign continues. With this fifth consecutive league win and aspirations to challenge for the title, Inter fans have plenty to be optimistic about.
Cagliari, on the other hand, will need to regroup quickly. Their lack of scoring creativity and defensive vulnerabilities were exposed throughout the match. The Sardinians must find answers quickly to avoid falling irretrievably behind as the season progresses.
Inter Milan’s 3-0 victory over Cagliari certainly sends them off on the right foot toward the new year, demonstrating not just skill, but also resilience as they chase after the Serie A title.
