Inter earn hard-fought win over Lecce and pull clear at the top of Serie A

Inter secured an important 1-0 away win over Lecce at the “Via del Mare” in the rearranged match from the 16th round of Serie A.

The success gives the Nerazzurri three crucial points and allows them to pull clear at the top of the table with 46 points, six more than second-placed Milan.

The match was played at a high tempo, with Inter dominating possession, but Chivu’s team struggled to break through the hosts’ well-organized defense.

There was no shortage of chances in the first half: Nicolo Barella and Ange-Yoan Bonny were denied by goalkeeper Wladimiro Falcone, while a penalty initially awarded to Inter was overturned after a VAR review, prompting protests from the Nerazzurri players.

In the second half, coach Cristian Chivu made several changes to bring fresh energy to the team, and Inter’s pressure intensified.

Lecce had a few dangerous moments, particularly through Antonino Gallo, but goalkeeper Yann Sommer reacted in time to keep a clean sheet.

The decisive goal came in the 78th minute: after a lengthy move in the penalty area, Francesco Pio Esposito was first to react to the rebound and scored to make it 1-0.

A little later, Lautaro Martinez had another chance to seal the result, but Falcone was there once again.

With this win, Inter consolidate their lead in Serie A and maintain their advantage ahead of the decisive challenges to come.