In a tight Serie A where goals are at a premium, the most difficult skill has propelled Inter Milan back to the summit. A moment of clarity from a 20-year-old substitute and a typically ruthless finish from the league's deadliest marksman decided a tense encounter at the Gewiss Stadium, as Inter edged past Atalanta 1-0.
Apprentice and Master Combine for Decisive Moment
The match-winning moment arrived not from established stars alone, but from a poignant partnership between experience and youth. Francesco Pio Esposito, with just three Serie A starts to his name, had been on the pitch for mere minutes when he seized on a loose pass from Atalanta's Berat Djimsiti. Showing remarkable composure, the 6ft 3in academy graduate drew the last defender before sliding a perfect through-ball for the onrushing Lautaro Martínez.
The Argentinian captain made no mistake, adjusting his body to side-foot past the goalkeeper with a calmness that belied the high stakes. "The most difficult thing to do in this game," Pio Esposito later remarked, "is to stick the ball in the net." His teammate, for whom he provided the assist, remains Italian football's foremost expert in that very art.
Lautaro's Leadership in a Low-Scoring League
Martínez's winner was his 15th Serie A goal of the 2025 calendar year, drawing him level with Bologna's Riccardo Orsolini at the top of the scoring charts. More crucially, it was his fourth goal in as many league games, underscoring his vital role in an Inter side still finding its feet under manager Cristian Chivu. The victory, despite a patchy season featuring defeats to rivals Juventus, Milan, and Napoli, means Inter end the year top of the table, albeit having played a game less than many rivals.
His importance is magnified by a broader trend in Italy's top flight. This has been one of Serie A's lowest-scoring seasons in decades, with an average of just 2.327 goals per game—the lowest figure since the 1991-92 campaign. A confluence of factors explains the drought:
- The summer departure of last season's top scorer, Mateo Retegui, to Saudi Arabia.
- Significant injuries to prolific strikers like Gianluca Scamacca and Romelu Lukaku.
- Managerial upheaval at attacking sides like Atalanta, now on their third coach this term.
In this context, a reliable finisher like Martínez is worth his weight in gold. While his tally of 15 may seem modest compared to Europe's other elite leagues, it represents a crucial output in a fiercely competitive and defensively robust division.
Inter's Title Credentials and the Road Ahead
The three points in Bergamo solidified Inter's position in a gripping title race. The Nerazzurri lead with 36 points, but AC Milan lurk just one point behind. Napoli are two points adrift, with Juventus and Roma also within striking distance. It sets up a tantalising second half of the season.
For Martínez, the goal was another step in a personal resurgence. The Inter captain has spoken openly about the psychological toll of last season's Champions League final defeat and a summer of turbulence. Yet, physically and mentally, he appears back to his commanding best, shouldering the scoring burden with characteristic determination.
He was also quick to share the credit for Sunday's success, particularly praising the composure of young Pio Esposito. "We have to give him room for calm, the space to make mistakes," Lautaro said, advocating for patience with the promising Italian. "I think he's going to bring some great satisfaction to us but also for your Italian national team as well."
For now, with their captain in this form, Inter will feel confident they have the firepower to stay ahead in the Serie A scramble. As the apprentice noted, scoring is the hardest part. Fortunately for Inter, they have a master at it.
