Lautaro Martinez’s goal gives Inter Milan a 1-0 win at Atalanta, keeping them one point ahead of AC Milan, who beat Verona 3-0
INTER MILAN maintained their position at the Serie A summit with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Atalanta on Sunday.
The win preserves Inter’s slender one-point lead over local rivals AC Milan, who defeated Verona 3-0 earlier in the day.
Lautaro Martinez scored the decisive goal, netting for the fourth consecutive league match to end his calendar year on a positive note.
“I ended last season in a lot of pain… I kept going during the Club World Cup and international duty and I had a very short summer break,” said Martinez, who scored 15 Serie A goals in 2025.
His league-leading ninth goal of the campaign settled an engaging contest where both sides had chances to break the deadlock.
Marcus Thuram and Charles De Ketelaere each had goals ruled out for offside, while Nicolo Barella wasted a great opportunity for Inter.
Martinez struck with his left foot after Berat Djimsiti gave away possession just outside his own penalty area.
Atalanta, revitalised under new coach Raffaele Palladino, pushed for an equaliser but remain 10th in the table.
The hosts almost snatched a point, but Lazar Samardzic fell over when presented with a glorious late chance by De Ketelaere.
Earlier at the San Siro, Christoper Nkunku ended his league drought by scoring twice in AC Milan’s comfortable win over Verona.
Nkunku doubled Milan’s lead with a penalty two minutes after half-time and tapped home a third five minutes later.
Christian Pulisic had opened the scoring on the stroke of half-time, netting his eighth goal in 11 Serie A appearances this season.
Verona stay in the relegation zone despite winning their previous two matches against Atalanta and Fiorentina.
In Sunday’s other match, Rasmus Hojlund scored twice as Napoli won 2-0 at Cremonese to stay third, two points behind Inter.
Hojlund now has nine goals in all competitions for the champions since his summer move from Manchester United.
“I’m getting better every season,” said Hojlund.
“Obviously when I was at Atalanta I was a bit younger and I’ve got a bit more experience now.”
Bologna were held to a 1-1 draw by Sassuolo, leaving them seventh and without a win in four league matches.
