Inter Vs Atalanta BC: Lautaro Martinez Strikes To Keep Internazionale At Top Of Serie A

Last Updated:December 29, 2025, 09:10 IST

Atalanta, now under the management of Raffaele Palladino, showed promise despite the defeat and remain 10th, five points from European qualification spots.

Inter Milan retained their position at the top of Serie A on Sunday with a 1-0 victory over Atalanta, keeping a slim lead over local rivals AC Milan. Lautaro Martinez scored the decisive goal in Bergamo, allowing Inter to stay one point ahead of Milan, who secured a 3-0 win against Verona, thanks to Christoper Nkunku’s first Serie A goals.

Martinez, who netted his ninth goal of the season, has now scored in four consecutive league matches, marking a positive end to a challenging 2025. Reflecting on his performance, Martinez said, “I ended last season in a lot of pain… I kept going during the Club World Cup and international duty and I had a very short summer break.” He concluded the year with 15 Serie A goals.

The match was closely contested, with both teams having opportunities to score before Martinez capitalised on a mistake by Berat Djimsiti to score with his left foot. Marcus Thuram and Charles De Ketelaere both had goals disallowed for offside, while Nicolo Barella missed a significant chance for Inter, and Luis Henrique was denied by Atalanta goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi.

Atalanta, now under the management of Raffaele Palladino, showed promise despite the defeat and remain 10th, five points from European qualification spots. They missed a late chance to equalise when Lazar Samardzic stumbled over his own feet after being set up by De Ketelaere.

Earlier at the San Siro, Nkunku ended a goal drought dating back to his time at Chelsea by scoring twice for Milan. He first converted a penalty he earned and then tapped in another goal five minutes later, helping Milan extend their unbeaten league run to 15 matches. Christian Pulisic opened the scoring just before half-time with his eighth goal in 11 Serie A appearances, continuing his impressive form despite missing a month due to injury. Verona remain in the relegation zone, two points behind Genoa, who play Roma on Monday.

In other matches, Rasmus Hojlund scored twice as Napoli defeated Cremonese 2-0, keeping them two points behind Inter in third place. Fresh from their Italian Super Cup win, Napoli dominated from the start, with Hojlund scoring in the 13th minute and just before half-time. Hojlund has now scored six goals in 12 Serie A matches, surpassing his tally from his Premier League season with Manchester United. Reflecting on his progress, Hojlund said, “I’m getting better every season. Obviously when I was at Atalanta I was a bit younger and I’ve got a bit more experience now. I’ve played in the Premier League and in the Champions League and I’m playing with very good players now.”

Finally, Bologna’s winless streak extended to four league matches after a 1-1 draw with Sassuolo, leaving them in seventh place.

With AFP Inputs

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