Inter hit Lecce for four

Inter produced a commanding display to beat Lecce 4-0 at the Via del Mare and maintain their march at the top of the table. Inzaghi’s side, who kept another clean sheet, continue to rack up incredible numbers in what has been a flawless 2024 so far. Today wasn’t to be taken for granted, especially as Lecce - beyond the scoreline - played with character and created chances both at the start of the second half and after the Nerazzurri had gone 3-0 up with two quick-fire goals.

Lautaro Martinez once again took centre stage. His 15th-minute opener from Asllani’s assist was his 100th goal in Serie A. It was an important finish that relieved some pressure after Lecce’s bright start and allowed Inter to end the first half in front. In the 54th minute, after some nice build-up play from the back, Inzaghi’s side doubled their advantage as Sanchez rolled it across for Frattesi, who converted from close range. Two minutes later, Frattesi went from goalscorer to provider as he set up Lautaro for Inter’s third. A brace for the captain, then, who has now netted 101 goals in Serie A and 127 times in a Nerazzurri shirt. This season alone, he’s bagged 22 league goals in 23 matches.

There was still plenty of time for another one: De Vrij rose highest to meet a Dimarco corner to make it 4-0. Coach Inzaghi rung the changes in the second half: Asllani, Lautaro and Mkhitaryan made way for Barella, Arnautovic and Frattesi. Finally, Buchanan replaced Dimarco and Ebenezer Akinsanmiro came on for Frattesi. In doing so, the 19-year-old Nigerian midfielder made his first-team debut for Inter.

LECCE 0-4 INTER

Goalscorers: 15' Lautaro (I), 54' Frattesi (I), 56' Lautaro (I), 67' De Vrij (I)

LECCE (4-3-3): 30 Falcone; 17 Gendrey, 6 Baschirotto, 59 Touba (16 Gonzalez 57'), 25 Gallo; 29 Blin, 20 Ramadani (18 Berisha 79'), 8 Rafia (77 Kaba 57'); 7 Almqvist (10 Oudin 77'), 91 Piccoli, 11 Sansone (22 Banda 57'). Substitutes: 40 Samooja, 98 Borbei, 9 Krstovic, 12 Venuti, 23 Esposito, 45 Burnete, 50 Pierotti. Head Coach: Roberto D'Aversa.

INTER (3-5-2): 77 Audero; 31 Bisseck, 6 De Vrij, 30 Carlos Augusto; 2 Dumfries (17 Buchanan 76'), 16 Frattesi (41 Akinsanmiro 76'), 21 Asllani (23 Barella 55'), 22 Mkhitaryan (14 Klaassen 65'), 32 Dimarco; 9 Lautaro (8 Arnautovic 65'), 70 Sanchez. Substitutes: 12 Di Gennaro, 40 Calligaris, 20 Calhanoglu, 28 Pavard, 36 Darmian, 49 Sarr, 95 Bastoni. Head Coach: Simone Inzaghi.

Booked: Sansone (L), Asllani (I), Mkhitaryan (I) Note: Referee Doveri replaced by fourth official Baroni (46') Added time: 2' - 0'

Referee: Doveri. Assistants: M. Rossi, Di Gioia. Fourth official: Baroni. VAR: Valeri. VAR assistant: Mariani.

Suspended: Dorgu (L), Pongracic (L). One booking away from suspension: Banda (L), Rafia (L); Bastoni (I).