Argentina striker lifts Inter in early Serie A showdown

Argentina striker Lautaro Martinez rescued Inter Milan on Saturday as the Serie A champions clawed back from two goals down to secure a 2‑2 draw at Roma. The top‑two clash featured both sides on perfect records, offering an early glimpse of what could become a season‑long title race.

Pre‑match stakes

Inter entered the capital as defending Serie A champions, while Gian Piero Gasperini’s Roma boasted four wins from four, making the encounter a decisive early‑season test. Both clubs had already demonstrated mettle, with Inter overturning a 2‑0 deficit against Udinese earlier in the week.

First‑half drama

Manu Kone gave Roma a 2‑0 lead before half‑time, first scoring within six minutes after readjusting his body to volley Nahuel Molina’s knock‑down. Martinez opened his Inter account with a first‑season goal, but the French midfielder Paulo Dybala twice threatened to double the hosts’ advantage.

Roma’s second goal appeared when Kone tucked the ball in at the back post on 37 minutes, only for VAR to intervene after a lengthy review and disallow the strike, pointing to the centre circle.

Inter’s comeback

Inter emerged from the break with renewed urgency; Martinez reduced the deficit a minute after the interval with a scuffed finish from Marcus Thuram’s pull‑back. Later, after a scramble in the box, Martinez headed onto the bar before controlling with his thigh and slotting home the equaliser.

Inter captain Martinez’s brace not only salvaged a point but also highlighted the champions’ resilience after a sluggish start that had left coach Cristian Chivu concerned.

League ripple effects

Elsewhere, third‑placed Cagliari climbed to 12 points after a 1‑0 win at Udinese, while Bologna and Torino shared a 1‑1 draw in Emilia‑Romagna. Venezia will host city rivals Lazio in the final match of the weekend.

The match also featured a tribute to the late Sandro Mazzola, with both sides wearing black armbands before kick‑off.

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