Internazionale defeated Empoli 4-2 to reclaim their position at the top of the table temporarily as AC Milan play on Sunday. Meanwhile, Juventus conceded two late goals to go down against Genoa, who are struggling to make it out of the relegation zone.
Italy’s defending champions Inter continue to remain involved in the Serie A title equation. However, there were plenty of gasps and nervous moments when Empoli took an early two-goal lead at the San Siro stadium. A brace from Lautaro Martinez eventually helped the home side secure a 4-2 win as Simone Inzaghi’s momentarily reclaimed the top spot on the table.
The first half proved to be a difficult affair for the Nerazzurri, who struggled consistently against an Empoli side that has won only once in the last 20 matches across all competitions. However, they took a two-goal lead in the first half through Andrea Pinamonti, who netted his 13th goal of the season. The 22-year-old has already found the back of the net against AS Roma, AC Milan and twice against Napoli. Empoli doubled their lead through Kristjan Asllani nearly 20 minutes later.
However, the defending champions found a lifeline when Simone Romagnoli scored an own goal, and Lautaro restored parity just before half-time. Inzaghi’s side then took the lead, with Martinez scoring his second of the night and Alexis Sanchez sealing all three points.
Thanks to that sensational comeback, Inter are now one point ahead of arch-rivals and city neighbours AC Milan. The Rossoneri, however, can regain their top spot with a win over ninth-placed Venezia this Sunday. Milan’s hopes of securing their first Scudetto win since 2011 continue to remain strong. Empoli, meanwhile, will be gutted to lose the match in the manner in which they did. They remain in the 14th place on the table with 37 points to their account.
On the other hand, Juventus’ slim chances of winning Serie A came to an early end after conceding two late goals and losing against relegation-threatened Genoa.
Paulo Dybala gave them the lead three minutes into the second 45 and Juve were denied a two-goal lead when Dybala’s shot hit the post in the 70th minute.
Albert Gudmundsson revived Genoa’s hopes of remaining in the Italian top flight after finding the back of the net three minutes before the end.
That hope soon became jubilation for the home side as Domenico Criscito converted his spot-kick nine minutes later to win the match and take a massive stride in improving their chances of survival.
