Barella guides Inter to a comfortable victory after halftime with two brilliant assists

Internazionale delivered a resounding performance on their visit to Sardinia, comfortably dispatching Cagliari 3-0 in a match that showcased their quality and determination.

From the first whistle, Inter imposed their rhythm on the game, dominating possession and creating several clear chances in the opening half-hour. Despite their control, they struggled to find the net early on due to a combination of wasteful finishing and impressive saves by Cagliari’s goalkeeper, Simone Scuffet.

Marcus Thuram, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, and Lautaro Martínez were at the forefront of Inter’s attacking efforts in the first half, constantly testing Cagliari’s defense. Martínez, in particular, was a constant threat but found himself frustrated, either failing to hit the target or being denied by Scuffet. Nicolò Barella also had a golden opportunity to break the deadlock before halftime, but his shot was similarly thwarted. As the teams headed into the break, the scoreboard remained goalless, but Inter’s dominance suggested it was only a matter of time before the breakthrough would come.

The second half began with Inter ramping up the pressure, determined to capitalize on their superiority. A brief moment of controversy arose early in the half when the VAR reviewed a potential handball in Cagliari’s penalty area. However, the review concluded without awarding a penalty, allowing the hosts a temporary reprieve. Just minutes later, Inter finally found their reward. Alessandro Bastoni, showing impressive composure and skill for a defender, headed the ball into the net from a challenging angle, giving Inter the lead and breaking Cagliari’s resistance.

With the advantage firmly in their grasp, Inter continued to press forward. Barella, who had been influential throughout, provided a sublime cross in the 70th minute for Martínez, who this time made no mistake, doubling Inter’s lead. It was a moment of redemption for the Argentine forward, who had earlier missed a clear chance. Barella’s assist highlighted his technical quality and vision, further emphasizing his importance to the team.

Cagliari, already on the back foot for most of the game, had little left to offer in response. The Sardinian side struggled to create meaningful opportunities against a well-organized Inter defense led by Stefan de Vrij and Denzel Dumfries. Inter’s dominance in away matches has become a hallmark of their season, and this game was no exception.

The victory was sealed in the 75th minute when Hakan Calhanoglu calmly converted a penalty to make it 3-0, following a foul in the box. The Turkish midfielder’s clinical finish added the final touch to what was already a comprehensive performance by the visitors. By that point, Cagliari appeared defeated, with little hope of mounting a comeback against such a formidable opponent.

The win temporarily lifted Inter to the top of the Serie A standings, a position they have been eyeing with determination. However, their stay at the summit could be short-lived, as Atalanta only needs a draw against Lazio later on Saturday to reclaim first place. If Atalanta fails to secure the required result, Napoli could emerge as the main beneficiary on Sunday, with a chance to leapfrog both teams.

Inter’s performance against Cagliari was a testament to their depth and quality, with players like Bastoni, Barella, and Martínez stepping up when needed. The inclusion of de Vrij and Dumfries in the starting lineup further underscored the team’s defensive solidity. Under the guidance of their coach, Inter has developed a reputation for being nearly impenetrable in away matches, a trait that could prove crucial as the season progresses.

For Cagliari, the loss highlighted their struggles at the bottom of the table. Despite moments of resilience, they were ultimately outclassed by a superior opponent. The defeat leaves them in a precarious position, needing to find form quickly if they hope to avoid relegation.

As Inter continues their campaign, this victory serves as a statement of intent. With their sights set on the Scudetto, they demonstrated the kind of composure, discipline, and attacking prowess required to challenge for the title. While challenges lie ahead, particularly with Atalanta and Napoli in close pursuit, this result will undoubtedly boost their confidence as they prepare for the next phase of the season.