The Nerazzurri respond to Champions League disappointment with a composed win at San Siro, staying ahead of Milan in the Scudetto race on Matchday 27.
FC Internazionale Milano delivered the perfect response after their European exit, defeating Genoa CFC 2-0 at San Siro to maintain momentum in the Matchday 27 Scudetto race in Serie A.
Under Cristian Chivu, Inter needed composure and conviction after criticism following elimination at the hands of Bodø/Glimt. They found both, securing three crucial points to keep their advantage intact ahead of next week’s showdown with Milan.
Dimarco Lights Up San Siro
The opening stages were lively. Genoa threatened in transition, while Inter came closest in the 26th minute when Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s deflected effort rattled the crossbar with goalkeeper Bijlow rooted to the spot.
The breakthrough came five minutes later — and in spectacular fashion.
Federico Dimarco produced a moment of pure brilliance, volleying left-footed from a tight angle on the flank. The strike bent perfectly into the far bottom corner, leaving Bijlow helpless and sending San Siro into celebration. It was the kind of goal that defines seasons — precision, audacity, and confidence all in one movement.
Calhanoglu From the Spot
The tempo dipped after halftime, with Inter controlling possession but lacking the same attacking sharpness. Genoa remained within reach until a costly mistake sealed their fate.
Luis Henrique’s cross from the right struck the outstretched arm of substitute Amorim inside the box. Referee Fabbri pointed to the spot without hesitation.
Hakan Calhanoglu stepped up and coolly converted, marking his 22nd Serie A goal for Inter and putting the result beyond doubt. Bijlow guessed correctly but had no chance against the placement.
Genoa’s Missed Opportunity
For Genoa, this was a night of frustration. Ruslan Malinovskyi struggled from the outset, picking up an early booking that limited his influence before being substituted at halftime. Amorim, his replacement, endured an even tougher cameo, conceding the decisive penalty.
Bijlow was Genoa’s standout performer, producing several key saves to keep the scoreline respectable. However, he could do little about Dimarco’s stunning opener or Calhanoglu’s clinical penalty.
Inter march on. The Scudetto race remains alive — and the Nerazzurri look determined to stay in control.
Match Report
Inter 2-0 Genoa
Scorers:
31’ Dimarco (Inter)
70’ Calhanoglu (Inter, pen.)
Inter (3-5-2): Sommer; Akanji, De Vrij (67’ Bisseck), Carlos Augusto; Luis Henrique, Barella, Zielinski (76’ Frattesi), Mkhitaryan (59’ Calhanoglu), Dimarco; Bonny (76’ Diouf), Thuram (59’ Pio Esposito).
Head Coach: Chivu
Genoa (3-4-1-2): Bijlow; Marcandalli, Ostigard, Vasquez; Ellertsson, Malinovskyi (46’ Amorim), Frendrup, Martin (85’ Sabelli); Baldanzi (66’ Messias); Vitinha (60’ Ekuban), Colombo (66’ Ekhator).
Head Coach: De Rossi
Referee: Fabbri
Bookings: Malinovskyi (Genoa), Mkhitaryan (Inter), Calhanoglu (Inter)
