What sets a champion apart from others is the ability to find a way to victory even when things aren’t going well. That’s why Simone Inzaghi will wholeheartedly embrace this hard-fought triumph in Serie A’s 26th round against Genoa – a 1-0 win, only Inter’s second league victory in February. This is one of the reasons why Inter is the reigning champion and a strong candidate to lift the Scudetto once again.3️⃣ POINTS ON A SATURDAY NIGHT 🪩 Powered by Heinz #ForzaInter #InterGenoa pic.twitter.com/MIaNHzDnKN— Inter ⭐⭐ (@Inter_en) February 22, 2025 However, despite temporarily reclaiming the top spot in the standings, Simone Inzaghi should be concerned after yet another uninspiring performance from his team. Even though Genoa has become one of the most challenging opponents in Italy under Patrick Vieira, the Inter manager must ask himself how the most prolific team in Serie A could look so powerless for an entire hour and rely on a lucky ricochet to secure a win.A deflection helped them against Fiorentina (Marin Pongrancic’s own goal) and once again played a role in keeping their title hopes intact.Milan’s agony continues as Torino take down woeful RossonerriThe winning goal was officially credited to Lautaro Martinez on Serie A’s website, but it’s debatable where the ball would have ended up if it hadn’t struck a Genoa defender in the crowded box, deceiving the otherwise excellent goalkeeper, Nicola Leali. That goal—Martinez’s tenth in the league this season—made him the first foreign player in Inter’s history to score double-digit goals in six consecutive seasons. It also ended Inter’s struggles that had lasted for over an hour.LAUTARO MARTÍNEZ GOAL TO UNBLOCK THE MATCH! ⚽️🇦🇷⚫️🔵 pic.twitter.com/MDHhW1kHtQ— Inter Xtra (@Inter_Xtra) February 22, 2025 Until then, the reigning champions had failed to create a clear-cut chance. True, Nicolo Barella rattled the crossbar from distance midway through the second half, and a few minutes earlier, Benjamin Pavard attempted an acrobatic volley in the crowded box, only for Leali to make a fine save. But the characteristic wing play that has defined Inzaghi’s Inter in recent years was nowhere to be seen.With Marcus Thuram unavailable due to injury, Italian strategist decided to start Joaquin Correa for the first time since late November, a decision that ended disastrously. Not only was the Argentine forced to stay in the locker room at halftime due to injury, but Inter also failed to register a single shot on target during the first half, with an xG of just 0.18—their lowest in the opening 45 minutes of any game this season.The breakthrough! Inter’s captain comes in clutch! 🔓#InterGenoa 1-0 pic.twitter.com/vBcNRqc3DR— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) February 22, 2025 This was a testament to Patrick Vieira’s excellent tactical preparation, but it also highlighted deeper attacking issues for Inter. While they increased their pressure in the second half, it mostly translated into possession rather than genuine scoring chances. It wasn’t until the 78th minute that Hakan Calhanoglu found Martinez inside the six-yard box, and with a stroke of luck, the Argentine forced Leali into submission.A huge stop from Josep Martínez! 💪#InterGenoa 0-0 pic.twitter.com/AQz2Zx4p1r— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) February 22, 2025 Martinez’s goal was yet another example of how cruel football can be. The same fans who were celebrating moments earlier had nearly faced heartbreak just two minutes prior. In a split second, they saw the possibility of defeat flash before their eyes, but Joseph Martinez—who joined Inter from Genoa last summer—came to the rescue. His timely charge off the line denied substitute Caleb Ekuban a golden opportunity, preventing his former club from shaking up the final moments of the match and securing their first victory at the Giuseppe Meazza since 1994.⚪️⚫️ The Bianconeri called 🆙 for #CagliariJuve 📜🔋 Powered by Azimut pic.twitter.com/2uTWjSDljb— JuventusFC 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@juventusfcen) February 22, 2025 In this way, the Milan club has taken the top spot in the standings, but Napoli will have the opportunity to reclaim first place, as they are the clear favorites in their match against Como at the lake (14:30). Also, an interesting clash awaits us in Cagliari, where the home team will host Juventus, a wounded side that was recently eliminated from the Champions League by PSV (22.45).SERIE A – MATCHDAY 26Friday Lecce – Udinese 0-1 (0-1)/Lucca 32 pen/Saturday Parma – Bologna 2-0 (1-0)/Bonny 37 pen, Sohm 79/Venezia – Lazio 0-0Torino – Milan 2-1 (1-0)/Thiaw 5 og, Gineitis 76 – Reijnders 74/Inter – Genoa 1-0 (0-0)/Martinez 78/Sunday 14.30: (3.50) Como (3.35) Napoli (2.25)17.00: (4.30) Verona (3.60) Fiorentina (1.95)20.00: (6.00) Empoli (4.20) Atalanta (1.60)22.45: (4.20) Cagliari (3.50) Juventus (1.90)Monday 22.45: (1.32) Roma (5.10) Monza (10.0)***odds are subject to change***
