Inter Milan secured their position among the title contenders with a convincing 2-0 victory over newly promoted Como at the San Siro on December 23, 2024. The defending Serie A champions not only snatched all three points but also marked their 13th consecutive win against Como at home, solidifying their dominance over the side.
The match was significant as Inter aimed to keep pace with the league leaders Atalanta, after having suffered a derby loss against AC Milan previously. The Nerazzurri are now just three points behind Atalanta, having played one game less. Their strategic play hinged on taking control early, evidenced by their strong possession and forward pressure.
Despite Inter's apparent dominance, the first half concluded with neither side able to find the net. It was not until three minutes after the restart when Inter finally pierced Como's defense. Hakan Calhanoglu delivered a pinpoint corner kick, meeting Carlos Augusto, who headed home from close range. His goal came as no surprise; Augusto had been actively involved, setting the stage for what would be the turning point of the match.
Como, managed by Cesc Fabregas, put up determined resistance throughout the first half. Despite showing promise with defensive organization, they struggled to mount any significant offensive threats. It was only through moments of individual brilliance—most remarkably from Inter's attacking players—that the deadlock was broken. Players like Federico Dimarco and Denzel Dumfries had their chances but could not convert, with Dumfries particularly missing the mark from inside the box.
Once Inter took the lead, Como was forced to extend their play, opening up spaces which Marcus Thuram took full advantage of. With only moments remaining and the visitors pressing for parity, Thuram sealed the victory with his powerful strike, adding to his season tally of 12 goals. This brings him level with Atalanta’s Mateo Retegui at the top of the Serie A scoring charts, underlining the narrow margins by which games can be decided.
The atmosphere at the San Siro was electric, with the home fans reveling in their team’s success. Inter not only showcased resilience after initially being frustrated but also displayed their tournament experience by seizing opportunities when they counted. The celebration of their second goal reflected the relief and jubilation among supporters, who witnessed their team maintain its chase for the Scudetto.
Looking at player performances, Carlos Augusto earned praise for his overall contributions to the match, having played predominantly as a center-back but spending considerable time advancing the attack. He received notable ratings from sports analysts following the match, emphasizing his impact on both defense and offense. Marcus Thuram's performance also drew accolades, as he demonstrated his offensive prowess and tactical intelligence, making him a game-changer.
Yann Sommer, Inter’s goalkeeper, had very few challenges during the match but remained alert enough to thwart Como's attempts at scoring. His composed presence at the back assured the team's defense, which continued to evolve and improve as the season progressed.
Overall, this victory is not just about three points but also about momentum as Inter gears up for the challenges lying ahead. With their next fixtures testing their squad depth and resilience, their victory against Como strengthens their belief and strategy moving forward.
With the title race heating up, every point is pivotal. The series of victories for the Nerazzurri places them firmly within the title conversation, and their eyes are set on not just maintaining their position but possibly reclaiming their title come season end.
