Inter concluded the year 2025 in the best possible fashion, defeating Atalanta in Bergamo 1-0, courtesy of a decisive strike from Lautaro Martínez. This goal marked Lautaro`s fourth consecutive league goal, capitalizing on a significant error by Berat Djimsiti. The crucial victory propelled Inter back to the sole top position in the Serie A standings. A decisive contribution also came from youth player Francesco Pio Esposito, who assisted Lautaro for the winning goal just one minute after entering the match.
Atalanta adopted a cautious and deep approach in the first half, struggling to build play cleanly and consistently from their own half. Inter, in contrast, found ample space but failed to capitalize immediately. Despite being wasteful, Cristian Chivu’s Nerazzurri created the best scoring opportunities throughout the opening period.
Early chances included Akanji’s dangerous effort from a corner, which was providentially cleared by Kolasinac, and a diagonal shot by Luis Henrique that went wide. Carnesecchi saved a powerful, looping shot from Thuram. Inter grew stronger, but Lautaro missed a weak shot when one-on-one after successfully beating Djimsiti. Moments later, Barella scuffed a perfect assist from Dimarco. Carnesecchi was vital again in denying Bisseck, and shortly after, Thuram had a goal disallowed due to an offside position by Lautaro Martínez in the buildup. Atalanta’s only real chance came late in the 41st minute, but neither Scamacca nor Pasalic could reach Zalewski`s inviting cross.
The second half saw a different, more proactive Atalanta, leading to frantic chances at both ends. First, Sommer made an excellent save on Zalewski, followed by De Ketelaere having a goal disallowed for offside. At the other end, Carnesecchi mirrored Sommer’s efforts by saving a shot from Luis Henrique. A third goal was disallowed shortly after, this time Scamacca was clearly offside.
Inter finally broke the deadlock in the 65th minute. Capitalizing on a major defensive blunder by Djimsiti, Pio Esposito (who had been on the pitch for barely a minute) slotted the ball to Lautaro Martínez, who finished decisively past Carnesecchi with his left foot.
Inter maintained control but faced a huge scare in the 87th minute when De Ketelaere set up Samardzic for what seemed like an easy tap-in, but the Serbian sensationally missed the equalizer from point-blank range. Inter managed the remaining minutes effectively to secure the victory and a beautiful end to the year.
Following the match, Cristian Chivu commented on the performance:
“We faced a great Atalanta side in Bergamo. We knew it wouldn`t be easy; Inter gave their maximum tonight. They gave us much more space on the right side in the first half. Both the starters and the substitutes performed well, all aware of how crucial this game was.”
Addressing recent contentious remarks made by Antonio Conte, Chivu added: “I said on TV that what Conte says does not interest me; I am very consistent. People who want to cause trouble will cause trouble. Inter`s objective is to work hard and remain competitive from every perspective.”
Raffaele Palladino, Atalanta’s coach, expressed his disappointment in the press conference:
“It is difficult to accept this result. I hugged [Djimsiti] at the end of the match. I don`t feel I can condemn him for a simple individual error. Atalanta faced a great team today. We prepared for this game differently than we have in previous years against Inter. It’s disappointing, but we need to be effective in resetting and focusing on our next match against Roma.”
Mark Thompson
