Inter Milan solidified their position at the top of the Serie A standings with a commanding 3-0 victory over Cagliari on December 28, 2024, at the Sardegna Arena. This win marks the fifth consecutive triumph for the Nerazzurri, putting them level on points with Atalanta, albeit with one game played less.
The encounter, part of the 18th matchday of the Serie A, saw Inter coming to the game with high stakes. On one hand, they needed the three points to stay competitive at the top, and on the other, Cagliari fought the threat of relegation and desperately sought points to climb out of the relegation zone.
During the first half, both teams showcased some intense play, but Inter proved to be the more dangerous side, holding nearly double the possession. Despite their dominance, they failed to capitalize on their chances, with notable attempts from Hakan Çalhanoğlu and Lautaro Martinez being thwarted by Cagliari's goalkeeper, Andrea Schürfen. Cagliari managed to maintain some dangerous moments but rarely threatened inter's defense, leading to the teams heading to the locker rooms at 0-0.
The second half saw Inter switch gears dramatically as they came out strong. The breakthrough came on the 53rd minute, when Alessandro Bastoni, with towering header, scored the opener from Nicolo Barella's expert cross. This goal ignited Inter’s momentum and gave them the confidence they needed to push forward.
Just 18 minutes later, Lautaro Martinez found the net for the second goal, ending his two-month goal drought. The Argentine striker converted Barella's pass with precision, drawing cheers from the travelling supporters. Martinez's goal also reflected his determination to help his team at this pivotal stage of the season.
To seal the emphatic victory, Çalhanoğlu converted from the penalty spot after being fouled inside the box, pushing the score to 3-0 at the 78th minute. With this penalty, Çalhanoğlu reaffirmed his role as one of the pivotal players for Inter this season, contributing both goals and assists.
Cagliari, who remains entrenched within the relegation zone, endured their fourth consecutive defeat. The result puts them at 18th place with 14 points and questions linger about the future of their coach, Claudio Ranieri, as the pressure mounts following this setback.
This win not only fortifies Inter's place at the top of the league as they await to see Atalanta’s performance against Lazio later, but it also demonstrates their intent to reclaim the Serie A title. The confidence gleaned from this match will be invaluable heading toward the Super Cup clash against Atalanta on January 2, 2025.
With the Serie A campaign entering its second half, every match becomes increasingly significant. Both clubs will look to adjust and adapt to their situations with Inter's successful momentum and Cagliari’s desperate search for form. How both teams navigate the upcoming fixtures will undoubtedly shape the rest of their season.
