The Nerazzurri were brilliant in their laboured efforts to get back into the top four places, brushing aside a tame challenge from relegation-threatened Sampdoria. Internazionale scored three against Dejan Stankovic’s men in what was a superb performance from the likes of Alessandro Bastoni and Hakan Calhanoglu.
Nicolo Barella was also on song, scoring his fifth of the league campaign as Inter drew level on points with third and fourth-placed teams Lazio and Atalanta respectively, having played a game more.
Inter looked like scoring within the opening ten minutes via centre-forward Edin Dzeko, who displayed some beautiful footwork to get a shot away, only to be denied by a great save from Emil Audero. It didn’t take Inter long, however, to go in front, as Stefan de Vrij fired home a thumping header from a well-taken Hakan Calhanoglu corner.
Bastoni showcased his outstanding abilities on the ball, primarily by his passes into the final third, as well as some wonderful switch-up plays to Denzel Dumfries on the right. The Italian played a magical ball over the top through to Barella, who made absolutely no mistake in putting the huge chance away. Angel Correa then sealed the deal with a beautiful finish in the second half, made possible by some great hold-up play from Romelu Lukaku, as Inter deservedly took home three points.
Meanwhile, Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia ripped through another defence in another magnificent performance that extended the side’s undefeated run in all competitions. The Georgia international superbly controlled a cross from Giovanni di Lorenzo to set up Victor Osimhen for Napoli’s first goal.
Sassuolo’s defence was shambolic, as the Georgian winger played squared up to Osimhen for a second assist before scoring one of his own off a splendid ball in from Mario Rui as the Gliazurri walked into the tunnel leading 3-0 at halftime at the San Paolo.
The second half had more of the same as Sassuolo’s defence was tantalised by the Napoli attackers. Victor Osimhen completed his first Serie A hat-trick with a cheeky dink over the keeper, also making him the top scorer in the competition as Napoli retained the top spot.
