Inter Milan Dismantle Lazio with Six-Goal Masterclass to Close Gap in Serie A Title Race
Inter Milan delivered a stunning 6-0 victory over fellow Serie A title contenders Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday evening, bouncing back emphatically after their midweek Champions League disappointment. The dominant win sees Inter maintain pressure on league leaders Atalanta while ending Lazio’s impressive unbeaten home record this season.
High Stakes at the Olimpico
Coming into the match, Lazio and Inter were tied on points, making this encounter a pivotal clash in the title race. Both teams aimed to send a statement as they continued their pursuit of Atalanta, and for the first 30 minutes, it was Lazio who looked the likelier of the two to grab the initiative.
Nuno Tavares tested Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer early on, while Tijjani Noslin squandered a glorious chance midway through the half, volleying a Nicolo Rovella cross into the ground and over the bar from close range. Despite Lazio’s initial pressure, Inter held firm and waited for their moment to strike.
Inter Come Alive: Late First-Half Blitz
After weathering Lazio’s early storm, Inter sprang into life late in the first half, completely turning the game on its head with two goals in the space of four minutes.
Çalhanoğlu powered home from the spot to get Inter’s party started #LazioInter pic.twitter.com/HwBg5pKhku
— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) December 17, 2024
The opening goal came amidst confusion and VAR drama. Denzel Dumfries’ header from a Hakan Calhanoglu corner was initially saved by Ivan Provedel, and while Lautaro Martinez appeared offside when poking the ball back into play, replays showed Samuel Gigot had handled the ball in the process. Referee Daniel Chiffi consulted the pitchside monitor and awarded a penalty, which Calhanoglu calmly converted, erasing memories of his recent miss against Napoli.
With momentum now firmly on their side, Inter added a second moments later. Dumfries turned provider, delivering a perfectly lofted pass into Federico Dimarco, who struck a thunderous volley past Provedel to send the visitors into the break with a commanding 2-0 lead.
Second-Half Domination: A Masterclass in Ruthlessness
If Lazio hoped for a comeback in the second half, those hopes were dashed just minutes after the restart. Nicolo Barella produced a moment of magic, unleashing a stunning 30-yard strike into the top corner, leaving Provedel rooted to the spot and the home crowd stunned.
A perfect connection from Federico Dimarco #LazioInter pic.twitter.com/fzoqOui51j
— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) December 17, 2024
Inter’s confidence soared, and the onslaught continued. Alessandro Bastoni delivered a pinpoint diagonal pass into the box, where Dumfries powered home a bullet header to make it 4-0. By now, Lazio’s resolve was broken, and Inter began to play with swagger, conserving energy while showcasing their attacking depth.
This Barella strike gets better every time you watch it #LazioInter pic.twitter.com/KKZ0U96VXE
— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) December 17, 2024
The Nerazzurri were not done yet. Substitute Carlos Augusto added his name to the scoresheet with a composed finish after controlling the ball expertly inside the box. The sixth and final goal came courtesy of Marcus Thuram, who capitalized on a late chance to round off a resounding 6-0 victory.
Defensive Resilience and Attacking Brilliance
This performance showcased Inter Milan’s all-round quality. While their defense, led by Yann Sommer and Stefan de Vrij, remained solid under Lazio’s initial pressure, the midfield trio of Nicolo Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu, and Federico Dimarco provided creativity, control, and dynamism. Dumfries, the standout performer, contributed a goal and an assist while causing havoc down the right flank.
Inter’s attack was equally ruthless. Each goal reflected their versatility – from set-pieces to long-range strikes and intricate build-up play. This six-goal masterclass sends a clear message to their Serie A rivals: Simone Inzaghi’s men are serious contenders for the Scudetto.
Lazio’s Nightmare Evening
For Lazio, this defeat will be hard to swallow. They came into the match boasting a formidable home record, with nine wins from their previous 10 competitive matches at the Stadio Olimpico. Marco Baroni’s side looked dangerous early on, but their inability to capitalize on chances, coupled with defensive lapses, ultimately proved costly.
Despite the heavy defeat, Lazio’s overall form this season suggests they remain genuine contenders in the title race. Baroni will likely treat this result as an anomaly – a bad night at the office rather than a sign of deeper problems.
What the Managers Said
Inter boss Simone Inzaghi praised his team’s response following their midweek defeat. “This was a perfect reaction. The players showed their quality and determination. We knew Lazio would be tough, but we stayed composed and took our chances.”
Lazio manager Marco Baroni admitted his team fell short. “We started well but lost focus after the first goal. Inter were clinical, and we were not. It’s a tough result, but we must learn from it and move forward.”
Man of the Match: Denzel Dumfries
Denzel Dumfries was Inter’s standout performer, contributing a goal, an assist, and relentless energy down the flank. His bullet header epitomized Inter’s attacking intent, while his involvement in multiple goals underscored his importance to the team.
Implications for the Serie A Title Race
This emphatic victory propels Inter to within three points of Atalanta at the top of the table, with a crucial game in hand. The win also highlights their ability to bounce back from setbacks, further cementing their status as serious title challengers.
Atalanta remain in top spot after matchweek 16! pic.twitter.com/Xpx9YBYwKU
— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) December 16, 2024
For Lazio, the defeat leaves them in fourth place and six points behind the leaders. While this result stings, Lazio’s overall form suggests they will remain a force to be reckoned with as the season progresses.
Looking Ahead
Inter will aim to carry this momentum into their upcoming fixtures, with their focus on narrowing the gap at the top of the Serie A standings. Meanwhile, Lazio will look to regroup quickly and return to winning ways as they seek to remain in the title conversation.
With performances like this, Inter Milan have once again shown why they are one of the favorites to lift the Scudetto. Their ruthless display against Lazio sends a clear warning to their rivals: the Nerazzurri are back to their best.
READ NEXT:
