Super Frattesi and Lautaro see off Empoli 3 - 0

A brace from Frattesi and a strike from Lautaro Martinez secured the three points for an Inter side that didn't falter in their trip to Empoli, during the only midweek round of this Serie A season. The match ended 3-0 at the Castellani Stadium, starting a bit quietly for the Nerazzurri, who initially took the lead with a goal from Darmian, later disallowed by VAR for a handball by the Inter defender.

The turning point came in the 30th minute of the first half. Goglichidze committed a brutal foul on Thuram and was sent off, thanks to VAR prompting referee Marchetti, who had initially issued a yellow card. Despite being reduced to ten men, Empoli held their ground and put up a strong fight against Inter, who struggled to trouble Vasquez.

However, in the second half, the home side's resistance crumbled. The spark came from Davide Frattesi, who scored in the 50th and 67th minutes. First, he netted with a deflected shot that found its way into the top corner, then followed it up with a precise low drive following Lautaro's perfect assist. In between, there were more great chances for Thuram and Lautaro, highlighting Inter's dominance and their lack of danger.

The third goal that sealed the match arrived in the 79th minute: Barella won the ball near the opponent's area, set up Lautaro, who struck past Vasquez with his left foot, rounding off a perfect 3-0 scoreline. In the closing moments, Palacios made his first appearance in the Nerazzurri shirt.

With this victory, Inzaghi's team climbed to 21 points after ten matchdays, with their next fixture scheduled for Sunday at San Siro against Venezia.

EMPOLI 0-3 INTER | MATCH SUMMARY

Goalscorers: 50' and 67' Frattesi (I), 79' Lautaro (I)

EMPOLI (3-4-2-1): 23 Vasquez; 2 Goglichidze, 34 Ismajli, 21 Viti; 11 Gyasi (7 Sambia 77'), 93 Maleh (6 Henderson 57'), 8 Anjorin (3 Pezzella 57'), 13 Cacace; 10 Fazzini, 17 Solbakken (22 De Sciglio 46'); 29 Colombo (9 Pellegri 65'). Unused Subs: 12 Seghetti, 98 Brancolini, 5 Grassi, 16 Belardinelli, 19 Ekong, 31 Tosto, 32 Haas, 35 Marianucci, 90 Konate. Coach: Roberto D'Aversa.

INTER (3-5-2): 1 Sommer; 31 Bisseck, 6 De Vrij (42 Palacios 81'), 95 Bastoni (28 Pavard 65'); 36 Darmian, 16 Frattesi, 23 Barella, 22 Mkhitaryan (7 Zielinski 65'), 32 Dimarco (2 Dumfries 65'); 9 Thuram (99 Taremi 74') 10 Lautaro. Unused Subs: 12 Di Gennaro, 13 J. Martinez, 8 Arnautovic, 11 Correa, 17 Buchanan, 21 Asllani, 52 Berenbruch. Coach: Simone Inzaghi.

Bookings: Cacace (E), Bastoni (I) Sent off: 31' Goglichidze (E)

Referee: Marchetti. Assistants: Scatragli, Moro. Fourth Official: Massimi. VAR: Serra. Assistant VAR: La Penna.