Inter will head into the new year as Capolista after a gritty 1-0 victory over Atalanta on Sunday evening. Lautaro Martínez once again proved to be the difference-maker, securing the three points that keep the Nerazzurri at the summit of Italian football.
The decisive moment arrived in the 65th minute. A horribly misplaced pass from Berat Djimsiti was pounced upon by the industrious Francesco Pio Esposito. The youngster showed veteran composure, laying the ball off to Martínez, who clinical finish sent the San Siro into a frenzy.
Scenes like these 🤩 pic.twitter.com/jpJOSd0oqV
— Inter ⭐⭐ (@Inter_en) December 28, 2025
For Martínez, the goal serves as further evidence that his early-season rust has been well and truly shaken off. After a sluggish start to the campaign that saw him net just four times in 12 league appearances, the Argentine captain has rediscovered his world-class form. He has now racked up five goals and an assist in his last four Serie A outings.
Crucially, this marks the first time since 2021 that “El Toro” has found the net in four consecutive league matches. Despite his earlier inconsistency, Martínez currently leads the Serie A scoring charts—a testament to his ability to influence games even when not at 100%.
“Hungry Kids” and High Standards
Speaking to the club’s official website after the match, Martínez was candid about his physical struggles following a grueling 2025.
“At the end of last season, I had a flexor problem and struggled, even while playing important games,” Martínez admitted. “After the summer, I rested and worked hard to get to this season in the best possible way. The staff is key; they help us raise the bar. Plus, having young, hungry kids behind you pushes you… you always have to be ready and eager to grow.”
The victory was more than just three points; it was a necessary response to a weekend where Inter’s rivals refused to blink. Just hours prior, AC Milan had briefly claimed top spot with a 3-0 dismantling of Verona, while Napoli kept pace with a 2-0 win over Cremonese.
Inter end 2025 with a slender one-point lead over Milan and a two-point cushion over Antonio Conte’s Napoli. For Cristian Chivu, overcoming Atalanta’s trademark aggressive pressing was the perfect way to sign off for the holidays.
“This victory is a nice Christmas gift for all Inter fans,” Chivu noted. “We are a team that still wants to send signals, especially to ourselves. Atalanta is a strong team that makes you play badly, but we approached the race perfectly. These three points are a gift to the fans, but also to our families, who are always by our side.”
