Inter Milan edge Como in seven-goal thriller to extend Serie A lead
Inter Milan moved nine points clear at the top of Serie A after a dramatic 4-3 comeback victory away to Como on Saturday. The Nerazzurri overturned a two-goal deficit with doubles from Kylian Thuram and Denzel Dumfries to secure a crucial three points, pushing their closest rivals Napoli further back in the title race.
The match at the Sinigaglia stadium began disastrously for the league leaders. Como, managed by Cesc Fabregas and fighting for a Champions League place, took a commanding lead. Alex Valle opened the scoring in the 36th minute, pouncing on a rebound, before Nico Paz doubled the advantage just before halftime with a clever finish. Thuram gave Inter a lifeline, scoring in first-half stoppage time to make it 2-1.
Inter coach Cristian Chivu made tactical changes at the break, and his side emerged with renewed intensity. Thuram completed his brace five minutes into the second half, capitalizing on a defensive error to chip goalkeeper Butez and level the score. The turnaround was completed just before the hour mark when Dumfries powered in a header from a Hakan Calhanoglu free-kick to make it 3-2. The Dutch wing-back then added a fourth in the 73rd minute, heading in another set-piece delivery to seemingly seal the win.
Como refused to surrender, however. A late penalty, awarded after a VAR review for a foul on Nico Paz, was converted by Matheus Da Cunha to set up a tense finale at 4-3. The hosts pushed for an equalizer, even hitting the crossbar through Ramon, but Inter held on for a vital victory. According to post-match statistics from Sky Italia, Inter managed 24 shots over the course of the frenetic contest.
Speaking after the match, Chivu acknowledged his team's difficult start. "It wasn't simple," he said. "We faced a team fighting for something important and they showed that in the first half. We were sluggish, but we reacted immediately." The win extends Inter's significant cushion at the summit, applying immense pressure on Napoli, who now have a game in hand.
For Como, the defeat carries significant consequences in the battle for European qualification. Fabregas's side slipped out of the top four following the result, overtaken by Juventus. Despite the disappointment, the Spanish manager struck a positive note. "I don't look at the table," Fabregas said. "Today my team showed me they are a capable side with desire and courage. I am proud." The loss highlights the fine margins at the top of the table, with defensive errors proving costly against the league's best attack.
The result marks another significant step towards the Scudetto for Inter, demonstrating the resilience that has characterized their campaign. The performance of Thuram, who now has ten league goals, and the decisive contributions from Dumfries were pivotal in overcoming a spirited Como side. The title is now firmly in Inter's hands as the season enters its final stretch.
