Cagliari vs. Inter Milan Match Review
Inter Milan Controls the First Half
Inter Milan asserted their dominance early in the match against Cagliari, controlling possession and creating more chances. By halftime, Inter had attempted seven shots, with two on target, compared to Cagliari's four attempts, none of which troubled the Inter goalkeeper. Despite their efforts, both teams went into the break scoreless.
Bastoni Breaks the Deadlock
The second half saw Inter Milan elevate their gameplay, and their persistence paid off in the 53rd minute. A stunning lob pass from Nicolò Barella found Alessandro Bastoni, who made no mistake, slotting the ball past the Cagliari goalkeeper to make it 1:0. Bastoni’s goal set the tone for Inter’s dominance in the second half.
Barella and Lautaro Combine for a Second
Barella, who was in exceptional form, produced another moment of brilliance in the 71st minute. His long pass found Lautaro Martinez, who calmly finished to double Inter’s lead. Lautaro’s clinical strike demonstrated why he remains one of the most reliable forwards in Serie A.
Calhanoglu Seals the Win
Inter Milan continued to press, and their efforts were rewarded in the 78th minute when a Cagliari defender handled the ball inside the box. Hakan Calhanoglu stepped up to take the penalty and converted with ease, making it 3:0. Calhanoglu’s penalty record remains impressive, with more than 95% conversion rate, having taken more than 12 penalties for Inter.
Inter Milan’s Strong Position in Serie A
The win places Inter Milan second on the Serie A table with 40 points from 17 matches, just one point behind leaders Atalanta. However, Inter has a game in hand, giving them an opportunity to reclaim the top spot. Striker Marcus Thuram, Inter’s top scorer with 12 goals and three assists, didn’t score in this match but continues to lead the Serie A scoring charts alongside Atalanta’s Mateo Retegui.
Conclusion
Inter Milan’s 3:0 victory over Cagliari was a testament to their attacking prowess and defensive solidity. With Barella orchestrating plays and key players like Lautaro and Calhanoglu delivering, Inter looks poised to challenge for the Serie A title. The race at the top remains intense, but with Inter’s current form and a game in hand, they hold a significant advantage heading into the next fixtures.
