FC Internazionale moves one step closer to first Scudetto in three years

With both teams coming off positive results, streaking FC Internazionale welcomed Atalanta in a make-up game that had been postponed while Inter won the Super Coppa Italiana over Napoli.

League-leading Inter had won all 10 games it had played this year while Atlanta was on a 10-game unbeaten streak and had not lost since Dec. 23 rising up into fourth place in the standings. On Sunday, they had survived continuous attacks by AC Milan, forcing the Rossoneri to settle for a draw.

In any case, the team coached by Simone Inzaghi started better, managing ball possession though without increasing the pace. For their part, Atalanta's players kept their attention well, at least initially, in the defensive phase.

The guests appeared to score the opener but Charles De Ketelaere's goal was disallowed after a VAR check that identified a previous handball by teammate Aleksej Miranchuk.

In the 26th minute, the Neroazzurri got on the board behind one of the least expected players, Matteo Darmian. The right back did well to exploit the opportunity brought about by a low but imperfect clearance from goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi who left his own goal unprotected.

The match then continued with numerous insidious opportunities created by the Neroazzurri who came close to doubling its lead finally converting just before the halftime whistle when striker Lautaro Martinez controlled the ball onto his left foot before finishing with a beautiful and uncatchable shot that Carnesecchi simply watched go into the net.

The second half continued as the first half ended, with Inter players leaning into attack.

In the 53rd minute, a controversial episode saw the referee called to VAR for a handball by Atalanta defender on a cross from Denzel Dumfries. After the review, the referee awarded a penalty in favor of the home team.

Top scorer Martinez stepped up to the spot and took a powerful shot only to see it blocked by goalkeeper Carnesecchi. The ball arrived at the feet of Federico DiMarco who was able to shoot quickly, beating Carnesecchi.

With a 3-0 deficit, the visiting team coached by Gian Piero Gasperini, a former Inter manager, toned down their intensity hoping to limit the damage,

In the 71st minute, substitute Alexis Sanchez took a free kick, serving up a perfect assist to Davide Frattesi who headed it home to seal the 4-0 final score.