BERGAMO – Inter Milan football players remained at the top of the Italian Serie A table. In the 17th round, they triumphed in the Lombard derby at Atalanta Bergamo 1:0 and lead by one point ahead of AC Milan.
The third is with a two-point loss to SSC Napoli with Slovak midfielder Stanislav Lobotka. Inter’s fourth victory in a row was decided in the 65th minute by Argentinian gunner Lautaro Martínez, for whom it was the 15th accurate strike in the “nerazzurri” jersey this calendar year.
“I’m glad that I ended this year in a positive way. I finished the last season in great pain. I didn’t feel fit, despite that I started at the Club World Cup and also completed the South American qualification matches for the 2026 World Cup. I only had a very short break in the summer,” Martinez told accredited media. Inter could have taken the lead at the end of the first half, but Marcus Thuram’s goal was disallowed for offside.
AC Milan won the home match over Hellas Verona 3:0. At the end of the first half, Christian Pulisic scored his eighth goal in the competition, after the change of sides, Frenchman Christopher Nkunku scored twice. “We achieved a very important victory. I’m glad that Nkunku caught the shot. I hope that it will continue to rain on him in the new year.” coach Massimiliano Allegri told AC’s official website.
Defending champion Napoli, in the line-up with Lobotka, won at Cremonese 2:0, and from third place they lose a point to second AC Milan. Danish forward Rasmus Höjlund scored both goals in the first half. Lobotka played the entire match. “We couldn’t have imagined a better end to the year. From a sporting point of view, it was exceptional for us, because we won the Italian title and the Super Cup.” enthused Napoli coach Antonio Conte.
The coach of the reigning champion highlighted Lobotka’s contribution. “We are talking about someone who does not need to be introduced. ‘Lobo’ is an exceptional player and person. Throughout the year, he confirmed how much he means to Napoli. When he was out for several weeks due to injury, it was not easy to fill the hole for him, Eljif Elmas mostly took on this role.” added Conte.
- Author: © List/
- Source: TASR
