January 14, (THEWILL) – Inter Milan extended their lead at the top of Serie A to 5 points after a dominant 5-1 away victory against Monza on Saturday night. Simone Inzaghi’s men put in an impressive attacking display, with Hakan Calhanoglu and Lautaro Martinez both scoring braces.
The visitors started brightly and were awarded an early penalty after Roberto Gagliardini was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the box. Calhanoglu converted the 12th-minute spot kick with ease. Two minutes later, Federico Dimarco played a superb cross for Martinez to slot home Inter’s second.
Inter continued to threaten throughout the first half, with new signing Marcus Thuram going close on several occasions. Monza briefly thought they had pulled one back but Matteo Pessina’s 30th minute header was ruled out for offside after a lengthy VAR review.
Monza’s hopes were revived in the 70th minute when captain Pessina scored from the penalty spot after Dany Mota was fouled but Inter never looked in real danger. Martinez added his second from the spot late on after Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro fouled substitute Davide Frattesi before Thuram rounded off an excellent attacking display with the fifth goal.
The only blemish for Inter was Calhanoglu’s 58th minute yellow card which ruled him out of their next match. The emphatic win sees Inter open up a five-point gap over second-placed Juventus as they bid to retake the Scudetto crown. Inzaghi’s men face Fiorentina next in Serie A after the Supercoppa Italiana clash against rivals Lazio in Saudi Arabia on Friday.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
