Serie A champions Inter made a statement win against Lazio on Monday evening, running out 6-0 victors in a top-four six-pointer at the Stadio Olimpico. Simone Inzaghi’s high-flying side inflicted Lazio’s first home league defeat this season to move within three points of table-topping Atalanta.
Lazio and Inter were level on points ahead of the kick-off, and there was nothing to separate the teams until the 41st minute. However, Samuel Gigot’s reckless handball inside the box sent Hakan Calhanoglu to the spot. The Turkish midfielder made no mistake to break the deadlock.
Only four minutes later, Inter doubled their lead through Federico Dimarco. The Italian wingback latched on to Denzel Dumfries’ cross on the back post to make it 2-0 at halftime. It took the Nerazzurri six minutes into the second half to put the game to bed as Nicolo Barella scored a stunning long-range half-volley.
Lazio failed to recover from the shock, letting Inter assume complete control of the proceedings. After delivering an assist, Dumfries found the net with a towering header, extending the visitors’ advantage in the 53rd minute to four! However, Inzaghi’s team refused to rest on their laurels.
Second-half substitute Carlos Augusto got to the scoresheet for the first time this season with a clinical left-footed finish from inside the box for Inter’s fifth. Marcus Thuram put the icing on the cake in the 90th minute with a fantastic solo effort, capping off a scintillating performance.
Let’s look at our player ratings.
Inter (3-5-2)
Yann Sommer – 6
It was a quiet night for the Swiss goalkeeper, who didn’t have to make a single save since thwarting Gustav Isaksen’s early effort.
Yann Bisseck – 6.5
Slotted in for Benjamin Pavard, the German defender fared well against Mattia Zaccagni but picked up a cheap yellow card toward the end of the first half.
Stefan de Vrij – 7.5
The Dutchman rolled back the years against his former side, delivering a defensive masterclass to neutralize in-form Tijjani Noslin. Impeccable in possession!
Alessandro Bastoni – 7
Had it not been for a harsh tackle that earned him a booking midway through the first half, it would’ve been a faultless showing from the star center-back.
Denzel Dumfries – 8
Incredible performance! In addition to racking up a goal and an assist, the ex-PSV Eindhoven wingback was a permanent threat down the right flank all game.
Nicolo Barella – 7.5
His sublime long-range screamer will make Serie A highlights until the end of the season. What a thunderbolt!
Hakan Calhanoglu – 7.5
Back to the scoreboard with another well-taken penalty, the deep-lying playmaker did what he does best – dictating the pace with inch-perfect passing and unparalleled vision.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 7
Despite failing to get his name on the board, the Armenian veteran was superb tonight, completing numerous progressive runs and linking up well with his teammates.
Federico Dimarco – 7.5
A vintage Dimarco display! Brimming with confidence after scoring his third Serie A goal this season, the Inter stalwart picked up an assist and created havoc inside Lazio’s penalty area after the break.
Lautaro Martinez – 6
The Argentine’s frustrating campaign goes on. Even though the Nerazzurri netted six, he wasn’t among the scorers.
Marcus Thuram – 7.5
Unlike his attacking comrade, the Inter talisman grabbed a well-deserved late goal after driving Lazio’s defenders crazy all night.
Substitutes
Matteo Darmian – 6
Charles Augustus – 7
Piotr Zielinski – 5.5
Kristjan Asllani – 6
Tajon Buchanan – N/A
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