Inter Milan moved a step closer to ending Juventus’ consecutive run of 9 Serie A titles by beating Sassuolo to move 11 points clear at the top of the table.
Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez were on the scoresheet for Antonio Conte’s side once again as the Nerazzurri are within touching distance of the 2020-21 Scudetto.
Hamed Traore curled home a late consolation for Sassuolo but the game was already put to bed by the dominant Italians.
Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku continued his scoring run as he opened the scoring in the 10th minute as the old Manchester United combination worked wonders for Conte’s side. Ashley Young whipped in a beautiful cross that Lukaku clipped on with his head past Sassuolo goalkeeper Andrea Consigli to put Inter up 1-0.
Inter could not add a second before the break, which saw them go in with a 1-0 lead at half time.
Internazionale did finally double their lead as Lukaku turned provider as the league leaders broke away on the counter after Sassuolo’s penalty claim was waived off by the referee. A long ball was played into the Belgian star who then shifted the ball onto his strike partner Martinez who comfortably beat Consigli in a one-on-one scenario to put his team up 2-0.
Ivorian Hamed Junior Traore pulled one back for his side but it was too little too late as a deflection found its way to the midfielder who scored a stunner that beat Inter goalkeeper Samir Handanović by flying into the far top corner in the 85th minute.
Inter held on for the 3 points that sees them being unstoppable in their quest for a 19th Scudetto.
Antonio Conte was ecstatic with his star Romelu Lukaku’s performance and said he has proved all his doubters wrong after the Belgian helped Inter move one step closer to the Scudetto.
Romelu Lukaku has become one of the best strikers in world football since moving to Inter (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“I haven’t forgotten how a lot of people turned their nose up when we signed Lukaku and said he was overrated,” said the Inter Milan boss.
“But I always said that he arrived here with his potential and that if he worked hard he could do extraordinary things.
“Lukaku has made exceptional improvements and can make even more, just like Lautaro.
“We’re well set in terms of attackers, those two are young whereas Alexis Sanchez is more mature, but they can all keep improving.
“They don’t play just to score but for the team, because they know that if they play like this the goals will arrive from the situations we create.
“They are more than happy to do the dirty work for us.”
Juventus also won as they beat Napoli 2-1 to climb into third place, one point behind AC Milan in second.
However, Juventus are 12 points behind leaders Inter with nine games remaining and look unlikely to claim a 10th title in a row.
