Inter wins, takes advantage of Napoli's defeat, and closes in on the lead

Champions Inter Milan took full advantage of Napoli's setback against Atalanta (3-0) on Sunday, closing the gap to the top of the Serie A standings to just one point after securing a 1-0 victory over Venezia in the 11th round of the season. This result underscored Inter’s determination to reclaim the top spot in Italian football and sent a clear signal to their rivals.

The decisive moment for Inter came in the 65th minute when Argentine forward Lautaro Martínez found the back of the net. His well-placed strike ensured Inter’s victory in what proved to be a tightly contested match against Venezia, who are battling to climb out of the relegation zone. Despite the visitors' best efforts to press and create opportunities, Inter's defense, led by stalwarts like Milan Škriniar and Alessandro Bastoni, remained resolute, showcasing their tactical discipline and experience.

Inter's win further highlighted their tactical versatility under coach Simone Inzaghi, who has been adept at making key in-game adjustments. The team’s balanced approach, combining defensive solidity with swift attacking transitions, has allowed them to maintain pressure on their title rivals. Midfielder Nicolò Barella and veteran Hakan Çalhanoğlu were pivotal in controlling the midfield, distributing play effectively and stifling Venezia’s counterattacks.

Meanwhile, Napoli’s unexpected and heavy defeat to Atalanta added drama to the title race. The match at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium saw Atalanta dominate from early on, leveraging their high-intensity pressing and dynamic forward play. Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman was a standout performer, netting twice in the first half once in the 10th minute and again in the 31st with both goals coming from precise assists by Belgian playmaker Charles De Ketelaere. The visitors solidified their win in stoppage time with a goal from Mateo Retegui in the 92nd minute, silencing the Neapolitan crowd and halting Napoli’s unbeaten streak, which had previously seen them rack up eight wins and a draw.

Atalanta’s victory not only ended Napoli’s impressive run but also propelled the Bergamo-based club into the title conversation. With 22 points, Atalanta now sits in third place, just three points behind the leaders, showcasing their ambition and capacity to challenge for the Scudetto. They are level on points with Fiorentina, who also remain in contention as they gear up to face Vitória de Guimarães in the UEFA Europa Conference League. Fiorentina bolstered their league campaign by securing a hard-fought 1-0 win over Torino, courtesy of a 41st-minute goal from Kean, which kept them among the top contenders.

Napoli’s loss has sparked debates about their ability to withstand the pressure at the top of the table. Their attacking trio, usually prolific, struggled against Atalanta’s well-organized defense. Key players like Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia were effectively neutralized, prompting concerns over Napoli’s depth and tactical adaptability when facing resilient opponents. Manager Rudi Garcia will need to address these vulnerabilities quickly to maintain their title challenge.

In the other match of the day, Verona hosted and defeated Roma 3-2 in a thrilling encounter between mid-table teams. Verona’s victory was a testament to their fighting spirit and ability to capitalize on defensive lapses by Roma. Despite Roma’s attempts to claw back into the game through goals by Andrea Belotti and Lorenzo Pellegrini, Verona’s offensive pressure, spearheaded by Simone Verdi, proved too much for the visitors. This result leaves Roma coach José Mourinho with more questions than answers as his side continues to struggle for consistency.

Inter’s win, combined with Napoli’s loss, reshapes the landscape at the top of Serie A and sets the stage for an exciting continuation of the campaign. The margin for error is now slimmer, with multiple clubs poised to take advantage of any further stumbles from the leaders. With key fixtures approaching and the pressure mounting, the race for the Scudetto is more unpredictable than ever, promising a gripping contest for Italian football fans.