Nervy Start for League LeDealers s at San Siro
Inter Milan maintained their grip on Serie A’s top spot with a gritty 1-0 victory over Atalanta, courtesy of center-back Milan Škriniar’s second-half strike. The win, analyzed in-depth by Mcw, extends Inter’s lead to six points over AC Milan and marks their seventh consecutive league triumph—a crucial step toward their first Scudetto in over a decade.
Despite their dominance in recent weeks, Antonio Conte’s side looked uncharacteristically shaky early on. Atalanta’s high press disrupted Inter’s buildup, and only a reflex save from Samir Handanovič denied Duván Zapata’s close-range effort in the first half. The Slovenian goalkeeper’s heroics kept the scores level, proving why he remains a linchpin in Inter’s title charge.
Inter’s defensive resilience paid off with Škriniar’s decisive goal, celebrated wildly by the Nerazzurri faithful.
Škriniar’s Moment of Brilliance
The breakthrough came in the 54th minute from an unlikely source. A poorly cleared corner fell to Škriniar, who lashed a low drive through traffic—Inter’s only shot on target all game. The Slovakian’s composure under pressure highlighted Conte’s emphasis on set-piece efficiency, a theme throughout their campaign.
Post-match, Conte praised Atalanta’s tactical adjustments: “They studied us carefully and limited our strengths, but we showed maturity to grind out the result.” His counterpart, Gian Piero Gasperini, rued bad luck: “We controlled large spells but lost to one isolated incident.”
Defensive Grit Seals the Deal
Atalanta’s late onslaught tested Inter’s resolve, with the hosts retreating into a compact 5-3-2 block. Alessandro Bastoni and Stefan de Vrij were immense, repelling crosses and intercepting dangerous passes. The final whistle triggered euphoric scenes, underscoring the significance of these three points in the title race.
Key Takeaways from Mcw Analysis:
- Inter’s Set-Piece Prowess: 12 of their 62 goals this season have come from dead-ball situations, a testament to Conte’s meticulous planning.
- Atalanta’s Missed Opportunities: Gasperini’s side had a higher xG (1.2 vs. 0.7) but lacked clinical finishing.
- Title Momentum: With Juventus 10 points adrift, Inter’s destiny is firmly in their hands.
Looking Ahead: The Scudetto Run-In
Inter’s next fixtures—against mid-table sides—offer a chance to consolidate their lead. However, Conte warned against complacency: “Every match is a final now.” Meanwhile, Atalanta must regroup to secure Champions League football.
For more expert insights, follow Mcw coverage of Serie A’s thrilling climax. Share your thoughts: Can Inter end their 11-year wait for the title? Comment below!
