Late Esposito Strike Keeps Inter on Course for Scudetto After Narrow Victory Over Lecce

Key Takeaways:

• Inter prevailed 1:0 over Lecce in their rescheduled Serie A Round XVI fixture last night, maintaining a six-point advantage at the top
• Francesco Pio Esposito netted the winning goal in the 78th minute to hand the Nerazzurri a vital three points
• Napoli delivered their third consecutive draw in 2026 after finishing 0:0 against Parma earlier in the evening

Match Overview

Despite putting in their least convincing display since the start of 2026, Inter managed to edge past Lecce 1:0 at the Giuseppe Meazza, solidifying their position at the summit of Serie A. Facing an opponent lingering just above the relegation zone, Cristian Chivu’s side struggled to impose their usual dominance and looked destined for a lacklustre stalemate until substitute Francesco Pio Esposito broke the deadlock with just 12 minutes remaining.

SONO NOSTRI I 3️⃣ PUNTI 🚀 pic.twitter.com/II55eTNTJA

— Inter ⭐⭐ (@Inter) January 14, 2026

Team News and Line-ups

Lecce entered the contest three points clear of the drop, only narrowly ahead of the revitalised Fiorentina. Verona, meanwhile, sit four points further behind and still have a fixture in hand against Bologna. Lecce, missed the chance to claim what could be a critical point in their battle for survival.

Cristian Chivu rotated heavily after Inter’s previous 2:2 draw with Napoli, making five changes to his line-up. Acerbi, Diouf, Mkhitaryan, Augusto, and Boni all started, while Bisseck, Henrique, Çalhanoğlu, Dimarco, and Martínez were named among the substitutes.

Opposing manager Eusebio Di Francesco had to deal with the suspensions of Kialonda Gaspar and Lameck Banda following a double sending-off in Lecce’s 1:2 defeat to Parma. Their absences forced Siebert and Sottil into starting roles, while Nikola Štulić retained his place to lead Lecce’s attack.

Match Analysis

The hosts sought to make an early impression, with Boni producing the first shot on target after just six minutes. Moments later, Lecce nearly delivered a shock through a clever move, requiring Yann Sommer’s intervention. Inter responded by asserting territorial dominance for the remainder of the half, with Zieliński threatening after the interval but firing over. Marcus Thuram’s subsequent fall in the penalty area brought a swift caution from referee Fabio Maresca for simulation, and a VAR check later in the half reversed a penalty initially awarded for a challenge on Boni after it was determined that Veiga played the ball.

As the half progressed, Inter worked their way back into attacking positions, with attempts from Thuram and Mkhitaryan failing to find the target. Just before the interval, Sommer’s misjudged foray out of goal was nearly punished by Riccardo Sottil, but Lecce’s forward was unable to convert, keeping the match goalless at the break.

Buoyed by that opportunity, Lecce started the second half brightly. Sottil and Veiga each posed new threats, unsettling Inter and prompting Chivu to introduce Frattesi, Esposito, and Henrique in search of greater attacking verve. Thirty minutes from time, Lautaro Martínez joined proceedings, eager to make an impact on the back of his Serie A Player of the Month accolade. Lecce almost capitalised on a Martínez error but faltered in their finishing.

Decisive Moment and Closing Stages

Inter’s breakthrough finally arrived in the 78th minute. Following a concerted build-up, Bastoni found Zieliński, whose cross was met by Martínez. While Falcone made a stop, Lecce failed to clear the danger and Esposito took full advantage, converting from close range to ignite the home support. The young striker nearly doubled his tally just two minutes later, narrowly missing the target.

For the rest of the contest, Inter managed possession effectively, limiting Lecce’s forward forays. The visitors mounted one final attempt in stoppage time, but a lack of clinical edge meant the match concluded 1:0 in favour of Inter, who strengthened their bid to finish the season as Italian champions.

Match Details