Captain Martinez decisive in Liguria as Chivu’s Inter capitalize on rivals’ slips and take sole possession of first place
Inter seize their moment. Taking advantage of stalled results for both Milan and Napoli, the Nerazzurri head back from Marassi with a hard-fought 2–1 win over Genoa that sends them alone to the top of the Serie A table.
The match has an unexpected early hero. Just six minutes in, Yann Bisseck steps out of the shadows to open the scoring, sneaking a low left-footed effort inside the near post and catching Leali off guard. It’s the perfect start for Cristian Chivu’s side, who control possession and tempo with authority.
At the heart of it all is Lautaro Martínez. The Inter captain doubles the lead in the 38th minute with a goal that sums up his leadership: shielding the ball with strength inside the box before unleashing a fierce strike that leaves Leali no chance. It’s a striker’s goal, but also a captain’s statement.
Genoa respond after the break and briefly make things interesting. Vitinha pulls one back in the 68th minute, finishing calmly after beating Sommer following a quick transition sparked by Ekuban. The goal injects life into the Grifone, but Inter never truly lose control.
In the closing stages, the Nerazzurri manage the game with maturity, even coming close to a third goal through the newly introduced Thuram. When the final whistle arrives, it confirms a crucial victory: Inter are the new leaders of Serie A.
Match Report
GENOA 1–2 INTER
Goals:
6’ Bisseck (I), 38’ Lautaro Martínez (I), 68’ Vitinha (G)
Genoa (3-5-2):
Leali; Marcandalli, Otoa (89’ Cornet), Vasquez; Norton-Cuffy, Malinovskyi, Frendrup (78’ Gronbaek), Ellertsson (89’ Carboni), Martin; Vitinha (78’ Ekhator), Colombo (59’ Ekuban).
Head coach: Daniele De Rossi
Inter (3-5-2):
Sommer; Bisseck, Akanji, Bastoni; Luis Henrique, Barella, Zielinski (90’ De Vrij), Sucic (74’ Mkhitaryan), Carlos Augusto; Lautaro Martínez (84’ Diouf), Pio Esposito (74’ Thuram).
Head coach: Cristian Chivu
Referee: Doveri
Yellow cards: Akanji, Barella, Bisseck (Inter); Ekhator (Genoa)
Red cards: None
