Lecce succumbed to a 2-0 defeat at home against Inter Milan on Saturday, extending Inter’s lead at the top of Serie A to ten points over AC Milan. Goals from Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Manuel Akanji, both coming in the second half, secured the victory for Simone Inzaghi’s side, who are now firmly in control of the scudetto race. The win comes at a crucial time for Inter, as they prepare for a challenging Champions League tie against Bodo/Glimt.
The match at the Stadio Via del Mare proved a stern test for Inter, with Lecce proving a resilient opponent for much of the contest. Yet, Inter’s quality ultimately shone through, with second-half substitutions proving decisive. The Nerazzurri are now on a remarkable run of form, having won 13 of their last 14 matches, and nine away games consecutively.
Lecce, who had recently enjoyed back-to-back wins against Udinese and Cagliari, started brightly, but were dealt an early blow when Francesco Gaspar was forced off with an injury in the fourth minute, replaced by Jamil Siebert. Siebert immediately made his presence felt, making a crucial goal-line clearance to deny Luis Henrique in the 10th minute.
Serie A: Lecce – Inter
Inter dominated possession for much of the first half, but struggled to break down Lecce’s organized defense. Marcus Thuram and Pio Esposito both tested the Lecce defense, but the home side remained resolute. The first half ended goalless, with Inter needing to find a spark in the second period.
Second-Half Strikes Seal the Victory
Inter manager Simone Inzaghi made a double substitution in the 60th minute, introducing Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Manuel Akanji for De Vrij and Sucic. The changes proved to be inspired, as both substitutes found the back of the net to secure the three points for Inter.
Mkhitaryan opened the scoring in the 75th minute, capitalizing on a deflected cross from Federico Dimarco. The Armenian international volleyed the ball past Lecce goalkeeper Wladimiro Falcone, scoring his second goal of the season. Just seven minutes later, Akanji doubled Inter’s lead, rising highest to meet another pinpoint cross from Dimarco. The Swiss defender’s header left Falcone with no chance, sealing the victory for the visitors.
Dimarco’s performance was particularly noteworthy, providing two assists from corners and demonstrating his growing importance to the Inter side. He now has 14 assists in Serie A this season, according to reports.
Bastoni Faces Hostile Reception
The match was also marked by a hostile reception for Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni from the Lecce supporters. The Italian international was booed throughout the game, a consequence of a controversial simulation during a recent match against Juventus. Bastoni apologized for the incident, but the Lecce fans were not forgiving, voicing their displeasure with every touch of the ball. The jeers continued even when Bastoni was substituted off in the 88th minute.
Agenzia ANSALooking Ahead: Champions League Challenge Awaits
The victory over Lecce strengthens Inter’s position at the top of Serie A, but their attention now turns to the Champions League. Inter face a crucial second leg against Bodo/Glimt, following a 3-1 defeat in Norway, with the tie finely poised. The Nerazzurri will need to improve their performance if they are to progress to the next round of the competition.
Lecce, despite the defeat, remain in a comfortable mid-table position. They will look to bounce back from this setback in their next match, aiming to continue their impressive season.
Inter’s dominant form and growing lead in Serie A make them the clear favorites for the scudetto. However, Simone Inzaghi will be keen to ensure his team maintains its focus and continues to perform at a high level, particularly with the Champions League looming large on the horizon. The next test for Inter will be the return leg against Bodo/Glimt, scheduled for Tuesday, February 24th.
What are your thoughts on Inter’s title chances? Share your opinions and predictions in the comments below.
