Goals, controversy, and late drama as Zieliński seals a thrilling win after strikes from Cambiaso, Pio Esposito, and Locatelli in another unforgettable clash.
Serie A San Siro, where Inter edged Juventus 3-2 in a pulsating Derby d’Italia that echoed last season’s unforgettable 4-4 draw.
In a match packed with goals, momentum swings, and refereeing debates destined to linger, it was Piotr Zieliński who emerged as the decisive figure, scoring the late winner to keep INTER eight points clear of MILAN at the top.
First Half: Own Goal, Redemption, and Controversy
The opening stages were cagey, but the match burst into life around the 20-minute mark. A seemingly harmless cross from Luis Henrique took a deflection off Cambiaso and wrong-footed Di Gregorio, whose reaction proved costly as the ball ended up in the net for the opener.
JUVENTUS responded quickly and with character. Cambiaso, shaken but not broken, made amends minutes later by attacking the back post and finishing off a McKennie cross to restore parity.
The defining controversy arrived just before halftime. Kalulu was shown a second yellow card for a supposed foul on Bastoni, who appeared to simulate contact. With VAR unable to intervene on second yellow decisions, JUVENTUS were reduced to ten men in circumstances that sparked furious debate.
Second Half: Goals Keep Coming
INTER tried to exploit their numerical advantage, throwing everything forward. Goalkeeper Sommer was called into action early, denying Noslin with a sharp save, while Di Gregorio redeemed himself with a spectacular stop from Çalhanoğlu.
Chivu then went all-in, introducing Pio Esposito alongside Lautaro Martínez and Thuram. The move paid off in the 76th minute, when Esposito rose superbly to head home Federico Dimarco’s pinpoint cross, scoring his first-ever goal against a top side.
Despite being down to ten, JUVENTUS refused to surrender. Captain Manuel Locatelli kept the Bianconeri alive with a perfectly placed right-footed finish from inside the box, once again assisted by McKennie.
With the match seemingly headed for a draw, INTER found one last surge. In the 90th minute, Zieliński unleashed a stunning strike past Di Gregorio, igniting San Siro and sealing a dramatic 3-2 victory.
Match Report
INTER 3-2 JUVENTUS
Scorers:
17’ Cambiaso (JUVENTUS, own goal)
26’ Cambiaso (JUVENTUS)
76’ Pio Esposito (INTER)
83’ Locatelli (JUVENTUS)
90’ Zieliński (INTER)
INTER (3-5-2):
Sommer; Bisseck, Akanji, Bastoni (Carlos Augusto 46’); Luis Henrique (Pio Esposito 66’), Barella (Çalhanoğlu 54’), Zieliński, Sucic (Diouf 66’), Dimarco; Thuram (Bonny 85’), Lautaro Martínez.
Head coach: Chivu.
JUVENTUS (4-3-3):
Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Bremer, Kelly, Cambiaso (Openda 78’); McKennie, Locatelli, Miretti (Koopmeiners 61’); Conceição (Holm 46’), David (Cabal 61’), Yildiz (Boga 75’).
Head coach: Spalletti.
Referee: La Penna
Bookings: Bastoni, Barella, Çalhanoğlu, Zieliński (INTER)
Red card: Kalulu (JUVENTUS)
