Inter Milan’s relentless march toward the Scudetto continued with a hard-fought victory against a resilient Lecce side. While the scoreline reflects a -0 win for the Nerazzurri, the match was a grueling tactical battle that required patience, persistence, and a masterclass in game management from the bench. Despite missing key personnel and facing a stubborn defensive unit, the league leaders proved exactly why they are the team to beat this season.
With this result, the Milanese giants have fortified their position at the summit of the Serie A standings, amassing 64 points. This crucial away win allows them to maintain a comfortable ten-point cushion over their cross-city rivals, AC Milan, who currently occupy second place. For Lecce, the defeat is a bitter pill to swallow, leaving them languishing in 17th place and deeply embroiled in a tense battle against relegation.
A Challenging Start For The Nerazzurri
Inter arrived at the Stadio Via del Mare facing significant hurdles. The most notable absence was their talismanic captain and primary goalscorer, Lautaro Martinez, who was sidelined following an injury sustained during a recent Champions League fixture. This absence forced a major reshuffle, with the coaching staff opting to make seven changes to the starting eleven.
From the opening whistle, it was clear that Lecce intended to make life difficult for the visitors. The home side employed a deep-lying, tenacious defensive block designed to stifle Inter’s creative outlets. Even after suffering an early blow when center-back Kialonda Gaspar was forced off due to injury just four minutes into the game, Lecce did not waver. They bravely withstood a barrage of pressure throughout the first half, with Marcus Thuram, Esposito, and Henrique all testing the home side's resolve without success.
Frustration And The Intervention Of VAR
As the second half commenced, Inter Milan thought they had finally found the breakthrough. Winger Federico Dimarco, who was a constant threat on the flanks, managed to slot the ball into the back of the net. However, the celebrations were short-lived. Following a lengthy review by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), the goal was chalked off due to an offside infringement earlier in the attacking sequence.
This moment of frustration seemed to galvanize Lecce, who continued to defend their goal with everything they had. For a significant portion of the match, it appeared that the Nerazzurri might have to settle for a frustrating draw, unable to find the clinical edge required to dismantle the home team's organized backline.
Tactical Masterclass Leads To The Breakthrough
Recognizing the need for a change in dynamic, the Inter coaching staff turned to their bench, a move that would ultimately decide the fate of the match. The tactical gamble paid off handsomely in the final quarter of the game.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 75th minute. Following a corner kick delivered from the right wing by Dimarco, a rare moment of chaos ensued within the Lecce penalty area. The defenders failed to clear their lines, and the ball fell perfectly for Henrikh Mkhitaryan. Having been on the pitch for only a few minutes, the experienced midfielder showed great composure to pounce on the loose ball and fire a powerful right-footed shot into the net from close range.
Sealing The Points Under Pressure
With the momentum firmly in their favor, Inter did not take their foot off the gas. Just seven minutes after the opener, the visitors doubled their lead to put the game beyond reach. Once again, Dimarco was the architect, providing a sublime, pinpoint cross from the left corner. The delivery found defender Manuel Akanji, another inspired substitute, who rose highest to meet the ball with a thunderous header. Manuel Akanji's clinical finish effectively ended Lecce's hopes of a comeback and ensured the three points would be heading back to Milan.
