Lautaro Martínez leads Inter to dramatic comeback against Napoli
In the buzzing San Siro, Inter, under the leadership of Lautaro Martínez, saw a spectacular comeback against Napoli, when the Argentine striker scored the winning 3‑2 in the 91st minute after a blood‑curdling final phase. The match, the first top‑flight of the season in Serie A, was only decided in the final minutes.
Late turn in Milan
After a calm first half, Napoli took the lead early in the second half with two goals. Matteo Politano made it 0‑1 after the break and a few minutes later Rasmus Højlund found the far corner for 0‑2, meaning the Partenopei were already two goals ahead after 53 minutes.
Inter responded quickly: Lautaro Martínez put the Nerazzurri on 1‑2, after which Marcus Thuram scored the equaliser. The duel reached its climax when Martínez slipped the winning 3‑2 in the 91st minute, making the Argentine forward the hero of the evening.
Dutch absence and coach choices
Where the clash between Inter and Napoli often had a Dutch touch until this summer, on Saturday there was not a single compatriot at the kickoff. Stefan de Vrij and Denzel Dumfries left Milan this summer, and there were no Dutch players left in the squad.
Napoli coach Massimiliano Allegri, a 59‑year‑old Italian, gave no place to Noa Lang or Sam Beukema. The decision later proved to have no regrets, as Inter turned the match around.
Al Hilal salary fuels Serie A chase for Inzaghi, Juventus and Napoli
Chivu praised the match: “A beautiful, entertaining game, a great advertisement for Italian football. Both teams played openly, without worrying about the defence. In the end we win, but compliments to Napoli, a strong side with players who make the difference.”
Allegri acknowledged the need for improvement: “There is still work to be done, especially in performance and possession. It was a beautiful direct duel, and the referees whistled less, which makes the match more attractive.”
The Giuseppe Meazza stadium erupted, while Napoli was left stunned. The Milanese celebrated the comeback and confirmed their first Serie A‑topper of the season.
With this victory Inter shows its resilience and takes an important step in the competition, while the absence of Dutch players remains a striking detail in a match that will be remembered for a long time.