Inter Clinch 2-0 Victory Away at Parma with Commanding Display

Key Takeaways:

• Inter secured a 2-0 away victory over Parma to stand alone at the top of Serie A after 19 matches
• Federico Dimarco scored in the 42nd minute, while Marcus Thuram sealed it deep into stoppage time (90’+8′)
• Despite AC Milan’s pending fixture, Inter are mathematically assured of finishing the first half of the season as leaders

Match Overview: Clinical Inter Secure Top Spot

Inter have been crowned the winter champions of Serie A after a resolute 2-0 away win at Parma in Round XIX. The result leaves the Nerazzurri standing unchallenged atop the table at the midway point of the season, their lead untouchable by closest rivals AC Milan even if they triumph later today against Genoa.

Although the Milanese side were not at their scintillating best, they rarely appeared troubled by the home team. Federico Dimarco broke the deadlock just three minutes before the interval (42′), before Marcus Thuram struck in the eighth minute of added time (90’+8′), confirming the victory. Ange-Yoan Bonny had a late strike disallowed for offside following a VAR review.

Espugnata Parma 🛡️
Torniamo a casa con 3⃣ punti 😁 pic.twitter.com/ttQevVEYXR

— Inter ⭐⭐ (@Inter) January 7, 2026

Team Selections and Tactical Changes

Manager Cristian Chivu shuffled his team significantly compared to the previous 3-1 win over Bologna, introducing Carlos Augusto, Petar Sucic, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, and Francesco Pio Esposito in place of Alessandro Bastoni, Nicolo Barella, Piotr Zielinski, and Marcus Thuram. Parma’s coach Carlos Cuesta, in contrast, altered just one player following their 1-1 draw with Sassuolo, with Sasa Brighgi replacing Lautaro Valenti in the starting lineup.

First Half: Missed Chances and VAR Drama

The conditions were challenging as thick fog enveloped the Ennio Tardini during the opening whistle. Both teams struggled to assert control until midway through the opening half, when Jan Bisseck forced a fine save from goalkeeper Corvi, who got help from the woodwork to keep the ball out. Moments later, Lautaro Martinez narrowly missed with a header from Dimarco’s delivery, while Mkhitaryan, Esposito, and Calhanoglu also squandered promising opportunities – a wastefulness that might have been costly for Inter.

Parma responded when Jakob Ondrejka rattled the crossbar, catching Yann Sommer off guard. Inter soon regained their composure, with Esposito also striking the post. However, an element of nervousness led to Hakan Calhanoglu receiving his third booking of the league campaign, following a foul. He sought immediate redemption but slipped while attempting a shot from the edge of the area.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 42nd minute. Dimarco found the net after an incident-filled moment in Parma’s box. Referee Andrea Colombo, hindered by the persistent fog, took over three minutes to consult VAR before allowing the goal to stand, much to the visitors’ delight.

Second Half: Inter in Control, Parma Falter

The tempo sagged after the break, with Parma offering little threat and seemingly prioritising damage limitation over pursuit of an equaliser. Inter, in turn, maintained possession and probed for a second goal without urgency but with intent. Ange-Yoan Bonny, brought on for Lautaro Martinez with six minutes remaining, appeared to have scored an equaliser, yet VAR judged him offside in the build-up and the goal was nullified. Immediately after, Inter launched a swift counter culminating in Marcus Thuram’s decisive strike in the 90’+8′ minute, putting the outcome beyond doubt.

Context and Implications

Parma’s defeat means they remain only five points clear of the relegation places, deepening their struggle for Serie A survival. Inter’s win pushes them ahead in the title race, providing a crucial psychological edge ahead of their next encounter with direct rivals Napoli. Earlier in the round, reigning champions Napoli were held 2-2 by Verona, falling four points adrift of Inter in the process.

Match Facts