Inter Milan hosted Hellas Verona at the iconic Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in Milan on May 3, 2025, in a crucial Serie A clash that saw the home side secure a narrow 1-0 victory. The match kicked off at 7:45 PM local time, with both teams eager to find their footing after recent struggles.
Inter Milan, under the guidance of coach Simone Inzaghi, aimed to bounce back from a series of disappointing results, including two consecutive league losses against Bologna and Roma. Their performance against Verona was particularly vital as they sought to keep pace with league leaders Napoli, who had already secured a win earlier in the day.
From the outset, Inter displayed an aggressive approach, dominating possession and creating early chances. The breakthrough came in the 9th minute when Kristjan Asllani converted a penalty kick, awarded after a VAR review confirmed a handball by Verona's Nicolás Valentini. Asllani calmly slotted the ball into the bottom right corner, giving Inter a crucial 1-0 lead.
"It was important to start strong, and the penalty gave us the momentum we needed," Asllani said after the match. "We knew we had to win today to stay in the title race."
Despite the early goal, Inter struggled to extend their lead. Verona's defense, although shaky at times, held firm against Inter's attacks. The visitors, managed by Paolo Zanetti, were without key players due to suspensions and injuries, including Diego Coppola and Daniele Ghilardi. Nonetheless, they aimed to capitalize on any mistakes from the home side.
As the match progressed, Verona began to find their rhythm, earning a few corner kicks and creating opportunities to equalize. Amin Sarr had a notable attempt in the first half, forcing Inter's goalkeeper Josep Martínez into a brilliant save. The Verona players were determined to fight back, understanding the importance of points in their battle against relegation.
Inter's tactical setup featured a 3-5-2 formation, with Asllani starting in midfield alongside Piotr Zielinski and Davide Frattesi. Joaquin Correa and Marko Arnautovic led the attack, both of whom were looking to make an impact after recent performances. However, they found it challenging to break down a resolute Verona side.
Inzaghi's decision to rotate his squad was evident, as some regular starters were rested in anticipation of their upcoming Champions League semi-final against Barcelona. The coach emphasized the importance of managing player fitness while still aiming for a strong league finish.
"We have to balance our priorities," Inzaghi stated. "Every match is important, and today we needed to secure the three points to keep our title hopes alive."
As the second half unfolded, Inter continued to push for a second goal, but Verona's defense, led by goalkeeper Lorenzo Montipò, remained resilient. Inter's attempts were met with blocks and saves, and as the clock ticked down, nerves began to creep in for the home fans.
Verona's best chance to equalize came late in the match when they mounted a quick counterattack. However, Inter's backline held firm, and Martínez was once again called into action, proving his worth with crucial saves that preserved the lead.
The final whistle confirmed Inter's hard-fought victory, a result that kept them firmly in the title race, now sitting at 71 points, three points behind Napoli. Meanwhile, Verona remained in a precarious position, sitting 15th in the table, six points clear of the relegation zone but still needing to secure points in their remaining matches.
Looking ahead, Inter will shift their focus to the Champions League, where they will face Barcelona in a decisive second leg, hoping to build on their momentum from this victory. For Verona, the battle against relegation continues, and they will need to regroup quickly to face their next challenge.
Overall, the match showcased Inter's determination to reclaim their place at the top of the Serie A standings while highlighting the ongoing struggles faced by Verona as they fight to avoid relegation.
