Rome: Lautaro Martinez’s brace helped Inter Milan register a 2-1 comeback victory over Serie A bottom side Cremonese on Saturday.
Inter were stunned 1-0 by Empoli at home last round and headed into Saturday’s game without suspended Milan Skriniar, Nicolo Barella, along with injured Marcelo Brozovic, while Cremonese were still fighting for their first victory in the current campaign.
Inter were aggressive from the start and created a couple of chances, but it was the home side that broke the deadlock in the 11th minute when David Okereke collected the ball on the edge of the box, before cutting inside to unleash a curling shot beyond an overstretched Andre Onana.
The away side responded in the 21st minute when Edin Dzeko’s volley was parried into the path of Martinez, who followed in to pounce on the rebound.
Inter had chances to turn around the game minutes later, but Dzeko’s attempt was too weak to surprise the goalkeeper while Martinez drilled wide.
The Nerazzurri kept pressing after the break and it paid off in the 65th minute. Dzeko’s pass found Lautaro, and the World Cup winner’s smart run allowed him to seal the win with a deflected strike.
With the hard-fought win, Inter temporarily moved to the second place with 40 points, two points ahead of AC Milan who host Sassuolo on Sunday.
Also on Saturday, goals from Joakim Maehle and in-form Ademola Lookman helped Atalanta see off Sampdoria 2-0, while Torino came from 2-0 down to draw Empoli 2-2.
