Inter turn on the style in the second half with goals from Thuram, Barella and Zielinski, extending their lead at the top and tightening their grip on the Serie A title race.
Inter took another decisive step toward the Serie A title with a convincing 3-0 win over Cagliari on Matchday 33, pulling temporarily 12 points clear of Napoli with just five games remaining.
Despite a sluggish first half, the Nerazzurri—coached by Cristian Chivu—shifted gears after the break and overwhelmed a Cagliari side that had shown early promise but ultimately collapsed under pressure.
Cagliari Start Bright, Inter Grow Into the Game
The visitors began with energy and intent, particularly down the right flank where Palestra caused problems with his pace. Cagliari carved out the first real chances, forcing Josep Martínez into a key intervention and seeing a promising effort fly off target.
Inter responded midway through the half with a huge opportunity on the counter, but Federico Dimarco saw his shot cleared off the line by Michel Adopo.
As the half progressed, Inter increased their intensity, with Francesco Pio Esposito testing goalkeeper Elia Caprile twice. Still, the deadlock remained unbroken at halftime.
Thuram and Barella Break It Open
The second half told a completely different story. Inter came out sharper, more aggressive—and clinical.
The breakthrough arrived in the 52nd minute: Dimarco delivered a precise low cross, and Marcus Thuram was perfectly positioned at the back post to tap in from close range.
Just four minutes later, Inter doubled their lead. A scramble in the box fell kindly to Nicolò Barella, who fired home with authority to cap off a commanding performance as captain.
Zielinski Seals It Late
With the lead secured, Inter managed the game with maturity, controlling possession and dictating the tempo. Cagliari struggled to mount any meaningful response, with defensive errors—particularly from Yerry Mina and Mathías Rodríguez—proving costly.
Deep into stoppage time, Piotr Zielinski added a third with a powerful strike from outside the box, putting the finishing touch on a dominant second-half display.
For Inter, it’s another statement win in their march toward the Scudetto. For Cagliari, it’s a night to forget despite a promising start.
Match Report
Inter 3-0 Cagliari
Goals: 52’ Thuram, 56’ Barella, 90+2’ Zielinski
Inter (3-5-2): Martinez; Akanji, de Vrij, Carlos Augusto; Dumfries, Barella (89’ Diouf), Calhanoglu (85’ Frattesi), Mkhitaryan (76’ Zielinski), Dimarco (76’ Luis Henrique); Pio Esposito, Thuram (76’ Bonny).
Head Coach: Cristian Chivu
Cagliari (3-5-2): Caprile; Zé Pedro (88’ Belotti), Mina, Rodriguez; Palestra, Adopo, Gaetano (57’ Deiola), Sulemana (76’ Folorunsho), Obert (76’ Zappa); Esposito, Borrelli (57’ Mendy).
Head Coach: Fabio Pisacane
Referee: Marchetti
Yellow Cards: Esposito, Borrelli
Red Cards: None
