Inter strike early and dominate the first half
Lazio needed points; Inter needed a win to stay in contention at the top — and it was the Nerazzurri who showed the greater hunger from the very first whistle. In the 6th minute Thuram or Lautaro Martinez slotted home after a sharp central move. The Stadio Olimpico fell silent.
Lazio tried to respond — 10 total shots suggest they were not entirely passive — but Martinez in the Inter goal was unbeatable in the first half with two key saves. In the 39th minute Barella or Mkhitaryan made it 0-2 with a slick combination move. At the break Inter led in every metric: 56% possession, 12 shots, clean sheet.
Red card in the 59th minute — Lazio down to ten
Lazio's coach made four changes at half-time and immediately after in a desperate attempt to get back into the game. But in the 59th minute a Lazio player was shown a straight red card, leaving the hosts with ten men. Inter calmly managed the advantage and in the 76th minute Martinez or Thuram put the result beyond any doubt with the third goal.
Comfortable Inter win, Lazio without an answer
The 0-3 scoreline reflected the gulf between the two sides on the night. Inter's 12 shots, 5 on target is clinical finishing at its best. The Nerazzurri's midfield trio of Barella, Mkhitaryan and Sucic were simply too good for Lazio. The victory keeps Inter firmly in the hunt at the top of Serie A.
Match stats
Lazio: 10 shots (3 on target), 44% possession, 2 yellow cards, 1 red card. Inter: 12 shots (5 on target), 56% possession, 1 yellow card.