Inter Milan earned a vital 1–0 away victory over AS Roma at the Stadio Olimpico on 20 October 2024, with Lautaro Martínez once again proving the difference. The Argentine forward struck on the hour mark, securing three points in a match defined by tactical discipline, physical duels, and key defensive interventions.
The opening half was marked by structured, calculated football from both sides. Roma, operating in a 3-4-2-1 under Gian Piero Gasperini, enjoyed a slight advantage in possession but struggled to turn their buildup into meaningful chances. Inter’s early rhythm was disrupted by two forced substitutions: Hakan Çalhanoğlu exited after just 12 minutes, replaced by Davide Frattesi, and Francesco Acerbi was withdrawn in the 27th minute for Stefan de Vrij.
Despite the setbacks, Cristian Chivu’s men maintained their shape, absorbing pressure and looking to exploit transitions. The first half ended with both sides level, though yellow cards shortly after the restart—first for Nicolò Barella and then Bryan Cristante—signaled an uptick in intensity.
Inter’s breakthrough arrived in the 60th minute. Davide Frattesi, influential since coming on, split Roma’s midfield with a well-weighted pass. Lautaro Martínez received it with precision and calmly slotted beyond Mile Svilar to give Inter the lead. It was another clinical finish from the Inter captain, whose consistency continues to drive the Nerazzurri.
Roma pushed for an equalizer, adjusting their squad with a series of substitutions. Manu Koné made way for Niccolò Pisilli, while later changes saw Paulo Dybala, Bryan Cristante, and Angeliño replaced by Matías Soulé, Enzo Le Fée, and Mario Hermoso. Despite generating 15 shots and recording 54% possession, Roma found Inter’s defensive resilience difficult to break down.
Inter made their own changes to manage the final stages, introducing Denzel Dumfries, Yann Bisseck, and Joaquin Correa in the 71st minute. Correa received a yellow card in the 78th as the visitors withstood Roma’s late surge. Sommer remained composed in goal, and the defensive trio of Darmian, de Vrij, and Bisseck preserved the narrow advantage.
After five tense minutes of added time, the final whistle confirmed Inter’s hard-earned win. The victory keeps Chivu’s side firmly in the Serie A title conversation, while Roma—despite a committed performance—were left to rue missed opportunities at the Olimpico.
