Lautaro Martinez punished a major Berat Djimsiti error to secure a 1-0 win for Inter Milan against Atalanta, ensuring the Nerazzurri remain top of the Serie A table.
Inter Milan maintained their position at the summit of Serie A with a narrow 1-0 victory over Atalanta at the New Balance Arena.
After a disappointing Supercoppa Italiana exit, the Nerazzurri needed a clinical response in Bergamo.
The match remained a tense, high-stakes affair with both sides seeing goals disallowed for offside before a defensive lapse finally broke the deadlock in the second half.
The decisive moment arrived in the 65th minute when Atalanta defender Berat Djimsiti played a “horribly misplaced pass” deep in his own territory.
The ball was intercepted by Francesco Pio Esposito, who quickly teed up Lautaro Martinez to slot home the winner.
This clinical finish marked the fourth consecutive league match in which the Argentine captain has found the net, capitalising on what was described as a late “Christmas gift” from the hosts.
Atalanta pushed for an equalizer but lacked precision in the final third, notably when Lazar Samardzic prodded wide from close range in the closing stages.
The defeat extends a miserable run for La Dea, marking their ninth consecutive loss against Inter in all competitions.
While Raffaele Palladino’s side showed flashes of brilliance through Charles De Ketelaere, Inter’s defensive resilience ensured they head into 2026 as the team to beat in Italy.