Inter Milan's victory is a significant boost in their title race, demonstrating their capability to compete at the highest level.
Lazio's performance raises concerns about their consistency, especially after two losses in three matches.
Calhanoglu's milestone highlights his importance to Inter's attacking strategy.
Inter Milan may continue to build momentum as they approach crucial matches in Serie A and the Cup.
Lazio needs to reassess their tactics to regain form and secure a stronger position in the league.
Inter Milan's Historic Victory Over Lazio
In a stunning display of dominance, Inter Milan triumphed over Lazio with a resounding 6-0 victory at the Olimpico Stadium on December 16, 2024. This match marked a significant moment in Serie A, as it not only narrowed the gap between Inter and league leaders Atalanta to just three points but also represented Lazio's highest home defeat in their history against Inter. The reigning champions, Inter, showcased their strength and skill, sending a clear message to their title contenders.
The match began with a balanced first half, but Inter gained the upper hand just before halftime. Hakan Calhanoglu converted a penalty awarded by VAR after a handball by Lazio's Samuel Zigo, who had come on as a substitute earlier due to an injury. This goal was significant for Calhanoglu, marking his involvement in 100 goals in Serie A, comprising 48 goals and 52 assists.
As the second half commenced, Inter's offense exploded. Nicolo Barella scored a stunning long-range goal shortly after the break, followed by Denzel Dumfries, who netted the fourth goal after a precise assist from Alessandro Bastoni. Carlos Augusto, who had just entered the match, added the fifth goal, showcasing Inter's depth and attacking prowess. Finally, Marcus Thuram capped off the scoring with a powerful shot in the dying minutes of the match, sealing a historic victory for Inter.
Lazio, who had previously only dropped points at home in a draw against Milan earlier in the season, faced their first home loss since March 2023. This defeat is a stark reminder of the challenges they face as they sit in fifth place, six points off the top of the table. The match also served as a poignant tribute to former player Sinisa Mihajlovic, who passed away two years ago, with emotional moments shared among fans and players alike.
