Key Takeaways:
- Inter reclaimed first place in Serie A by beating Atalanta 1:0
- Lautaro Martínez scored the decisive goal in the 65th minute, marking Inter’s ninth straight win over Atalanta
- Atalanta remain 10th with 22 points, level with Sassuolo and Udinese
Match Overview
Inter will usher in the new year atop the Serie A table following a narrow 1:0 triumph away at Atalanta. Cristian Chivu’s men claimed all three points in Bergamo thanks to Lautaro Martínez’ strike in the 65th minute, reclaiming the top spot that Milan had briefly occupied earlier. The match-winning goal came at the New Balance Arena and ensured the Nerazzurri extended their remarkable head-to-head record to nine consecutive victories over the Goddess. Atalanta last defeated the Milan side in 2018.
Chiudiamo l'anno con i 3⃣ punti 🔐 pic.twitter.com/csugf7EYG7
— Inter ⭐⭐ (@Inter) December 28, 2025
For the hosts, the defeat leaves them 10th in the standings, locked on 22 points with both Sassuolo and Udinese. Despite positive momentum following a managerial change, Atalanta could not maintain their surge without star man Ademola Lookman, who is away on African Cup of Nations duty with Nigeria. Raffaele Palladino selected Gianluca Scamacca up front, assisted by Charles De Ketelaere and Mario Pašalić, while Nicola Zalewski started against his former side.
Team Selection and Tactics
Inter welcomed Hakan Çalhanoğlu back from his Champions League injury against Liverpool, partnering him in midfield with Nicolò Barella and Piotr Zieliński, the latter preferred over Henrikh Mkhitaryan. Martínez and Marcus Thuram led the line, while Luís Henrique and Federico Dimarco operated wide.
Atalanta began with a more conservative approach, but both sides attempted to attack from the outset, largely bypassing the midfield. In the opening minutes, Zieliński delivered a low cross that Atalanta cleared for a corner, followed by a shot from Manuel Akanji that was denied on the line by Sead Kolašinac.
First Half Analysis
Inter looked to dictate the tempo, while Atalanta focused on swift counterattacks. Éderson fired wide from a tight angle in the 17th minute, and Kolašinac received a yellow card shortly thereafter for a rough challenge on Barella. Martínez squandered a promising opportunity in the 27th minute, as Carnesecchi repelled his effort after a skilful turn. Meanwhile, Zappacosta led one of Atalanta’s rare forays before unleashing a speculative attempt well off target.
Thuram thought he had opened the scoring in the 35th minute after a slick exchange with Martínez, but the goal was disallowed for offside. Atalanta responded quickly with a dangerous delivery towards Scamacca, who just missed making significant contact. The first period ended goalless, with Thuram unable to make the most of a promising move before the break.
Second Half and Key Moments
At the interval, Palladino introduced Yunus Musah for Zappacosta. Atalanta nearly went ahead five minutes after the restart when Éderson headed over the bar. De Ketelaere rounded Sommer moments later, but the play was halted due to an offside infringement by Zalewski earlier in the move.
Angling for the breakthrough, Inter came close as Luís Henrique was denied by Carnesecchi. He recovered to set up Barella, who failed to convert from close range. In the 62nd minute, Scamacca had a goal chalked off. Moments after, Inter substitute Francesco Pio Esposito immediately made an impression, assisting Lautaro Martínez for the match’s only goal after Berat Djimsiti’s defensive lapse in the 65th minute.
With the deficit, Atalanta increased their attacking efforts and introduced Lazar Samardzic. Inter brought on Mkhitaryan and Carlos Augusto to reinforce their shape, prioritising ball retention and risk reduction. Atalanta’s persistence nearly paid off in the 87th minute when De Ketelaere set up Samardzic, who failed to hit the target from a promising position – the home side’s best chance to draw level.
Looking Ahead
Inter will next host Bologna, seeking to consolidate top spot. Atalanta will commence 2026 at home to Roma, now managed by former coach Gian Piero Gasperini.
