Inter defeated Empoli 3-1 at San Siro with goals from Lautaro Martinez, Denzel Dumfries, and Marcus Thuram. This victory solidifies their second place in Serie A, just behind Napoli.
Inter hosted Empoli in the 21st week of Serie A at San Siro. Despite a goalless first half, Lautaro Martinez's spectacular strike early in the second half put Inter ahead. Denzel Dumfries extended the lead, and although Empoli managed to score once, Marcus Thuram sealed the 3-1 win for Inter.
The game began with Inter on the front foot, though the first half lacked significant threats to either goal. The most notable incident was a severe clash between Martinez and Ismajli, which fortunately saw both players continue after treatment. The 24th minute saw Inter fans rise in hope as Martinez's volley struck the woodwork. Shortly after, Barella's shot from the edge of the box narrowly missed the target. In the 35th minute, Dumfries almost set up Taremi for a one-on-one, but the referee ignored calls for a foul.
The second half kicked off with Martinez's powerful shot from outside the box nestling in the net, giving Inter the lead.
Minutes later, a pass from Taremi found Martinez, whose powerful strike went over the bar. Inter then controlled the game, making strategic substitutions to preserve energy. Dumfries scored the second goal in the 79th minute with a header from Asllani's corner.
Empoli responded quickly, reducing the deficit through Esposito.
However, Thuram's 89th-minute goal secured the three points for Inter, keeping them close to league leaders Napoli with 47 points and a game in hand.
