Inter Milan consolidated its lead in Serie A on Saturday (January 13, 2024). The 19-time Italian soccer champion won 5-1 (2-0) at neighbors AC Monza on matchday 20 and extended his lead over record champions Juventus Turin to five points.
The “old lady” is therefore under pressure against Sassuolo Calcio on Sunday. Former Bundesliga star Hakan Calhanoglu (12th/hand penalty) and Argentine world champion Lautaro Martinez (14th) set the course for Inter to win early on. Calhanoglu increased again after an hour, Matteo Pessina brought Monza close again from the penalty spot (68th). Martinez (84’/foul penalty) and ex-Gladbach player Marcus Thuram (88′) made things clear.
Naples with just a little shine
Last year’s champions SSC Napoli continue to exude little shine. On Saturday, Napoli only defeated bottom-placed US Salernitana 2-1 (1-1) in their own stadium thanks to Amir Rrahmani’s last-minute goal (90+6). Former Italian international Antonio Candreva even gave the guests the lead in the 29th minute. Napoli, whose Nigerian goalscorer Victor Osimhen is in action at the Africa Cup, equalized with a penalty through Matteo Politano (45th + 4). Thanks to the ultimately forced victory (20:6 shots on goal), Naples climbed to sixth place in the Conference League, at least for the time being.
Former Leipzig player Diego Demme came on as a substitute at Napoli in the 77th minute; it was the one-time German international’s first league appearance since June 4th.