An unforgettable night for Inter, a nightmare for Lazio. On matchday 16 of Serie A, the Nerazzurri dismantled the Biancocelesti with a resounding 6-0 victory at the Olimpico, delivering a historic performance that powerfully reaffirms Simone Inzaghi’s squad as a top contender. It was a collective display of ruthlessness and precision, showcasing Inter’s lethal attacking prowess and defensive solidity, turning every opportunity into gold.
Baroni’s Lazio started brighter, pressing with intensity from the opening whistle. In the first 20 minutes, Lazio looked the more dangerous side, with Isaksen and Noslin causing trouble, but poor finishing and an alert Sommer kept the score level. The breakthrough came cruelly in the 41st minute: Calhanoglu converted a penalty after a Gigot handball. Lazio struggled to recover and was punished moments later as Calhanoglu and Dumfries orchestrated a flawless counterattack, setting up Dimarco for a stunning volley. Two rapid blows left Lazio stunned.
The second half was all Inter. In the 51st minute, Barella unleashed a rocket from the edge of the box to make it 3-0. Just two minutes later, Dumfries added the fourth with a header from Bastoni’s cross. Lazio’s timid attempts at a response with long-range shots were futile against Inter’s overwhelming superiority. The Nerazzurri intensified their dominance with substitutions: in the 77th minute, Carlos Augusto finished a slick exchange with Dimarco, lifting the ball over Provedel. The final goal, capping off a perfect night, came in the 90th minute when Thuram, brilliantly set up by Mkhitaryan, split Lazzari and Marusic to complete the rout.
With this emphatic victory, Inter climbs to 34 points, now just three points behind leaders Atalanta, with a game in hand against Fiorentina. Lazio, meanwhile, remains at 31 points, sharing fourth place with the Viola. Baroni will have much to ponder, particularly the team’s mental and defensive fragility after conceding the opener.
The difference was Inter’s efficiency and squad quality. Their ability to punish even the smallest mistakes and manage the game with icy composure, especially in the second half, was remarkable. Special praise goes to Calhanoglu, who controlled the midfield brilliantly, and the devastating duo of Dimarco and Dumfries, who were unstoppable on the flanks.
A satisfied Simone Inzaghi commented post-match: “This victory is the result of daily hard work. The team interpreted the game perfectly, showing maturity and aggression. Now we look forward, fully aware of our strengths.”
Inter sends a clear message to the league: the Scudetto race is wide open, and the Nerazzurri are ready to fight until the very end.
