Inter Milan delivered an impressive performance on December 16, 2024, demolishing Lazio with a staggering 6-0 victory at the iconic Stadio Olimpico in Rome. The result not only marked the largest win in history for Inter against Lazio but also served as a powerful statement to the rest of Serie A as the team looks to reclaim its status as the top club in Italy.
Despite being under significant early pressure from Lazio, who had shown formidable form by winning 10 out of their last 12 matches, Inter turned the match around dramatically. After 40 minutes of tense play, the first breakthrough came rather unexpectedly when Hakan Çalhanoglu converted a penalty after the referee reviewed the play and awarded the spot-kick for handball by Lazio’s Samuel Gigot. Çalhanoglu coolly slotted the ball past Lazio goalkeeper Ivan Provedel, giving Inter the lead.
Just before half-time, Federico Dimarco doubled the advantage for the Nerazzurri. Receiving a cross from Denzel Dumfries, he executed a well-placed volley to leave Lazio trailing by two goals at the break. The match shifted significantly after Lazio's Mario Gila left the pitch due to injury, causing disruptions within their defense.
After the interval, Inter extended its lead. Just six minutes after the restart, Nicolo Barella unleashed a spectacular long-range shot which struck the top corner, leaving Provedel with no chance. Two minutes later, Dumfries added another goal, utilizing his height and strength to head the ball home from another precise cross.
Despite being dominant, Inter did not take their foot off the gas. Carlos Augusto, showcasing his prowess as he navigated through Lazio's defense, made it 5-0, demonstrating technical skill before slotting home. To cap off the rout, Marcus Thuram scored the final goal of the evening with less than a minute remaining on the clock, sealing the 6-0 scoreline.
This crushing defeat for Lazio, who had been competing for leadership spots earlier this season, has raised questions about their defensive capabilities, especially after the injury to Gila, which disrupted their formation. Lazio’s inability to convert early advantages led to their downfall as the match unfolded.
For Inter, this match reinstated their position at the top of the league standings as they remained within three points of the leaders, Atalanta, and with one game still to be played. The victory extended Inter’s unbeaten streak to 11 games, reinforcing their position as serious title contenders.
Following the match, manager Simone İnzaghi expressed his satisfaction with the performance and highlighted the team’s resilience throughout the game. He emphasized the commitment of the players and their ability to maintain intensity against quality opposition, attributing their success to both strategic preparation and on-field execution.
Inter's remarkable display not only showcased their offensive dynamism but also their defensive solidity, making them the team to beat as they continue their pursuit of another Serie A title. With their depth of talent and cohesive teamwork, the Nerazzurri look poised for the challenges the remainder of the season holds.
The next weeks will be pivotal for both Lazio and Inter as they navigate the challenging winter fixtures, with Lazio needing to regroup and recover from this heavy loss, and Inter striving to build on this momentum to close the gap on Atalanta at the top of the standings.
