Inter defeats Genoa and extends their lead to 13 points over Milan in Serie A.

In a display of strength and determination, Inter Milan put behind the bitter disappointment of their recent elimination from the Champions League by defeating Genoa 2-0 in Serie A. This victory not only ensured Inter’s continued invincibility against Il Grifone in 14 consecutive encounters but also extended the team’s lead in the championship, now 13 points ahead of rival AC Milan.

The match started at a frantic pace, with Lorenzo Colombo nearly opening the scoring with a powerful shot that went over the bar. Nicolo Barella also had an opportunity, but saw his effort blocked in the early minutes. Inter, on the other hand, pressed with corners from Federico Dimarco, but Justin Bijlow, the Genoa goalkeeper, was alert, saving a header from Stefan de Vrij and preventing Manuel Akanji from scoring.

Bijlow had to work hard again, making a spectacular save to deny a shot from Ange-Yoan Bonny after a possession error from Ruslan Malinovskyi. Inter’s patience began to pay off, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan attempting an audacious shot that, after a deflection from Johan Vasquez, nearly found the back of the net as it hit the crossbar. The young Bonny tried again, but it was Bijlow who shone, making yet another impressive save.

The first goal of the match came in the 30th minute, when Dimarco received a pass from Mkhitaryan and, from an extremely tight angle, executed a precise volley that left the Genoa goalkeeper with no reaction. Inter continued to press but could not extend their lead before halftime, despite a header from Barella that went over the bar and a fine save from Bijlow on a shot from Mikael Egill Ellertsson.

In the second half, both teams started with promising movements but failed to test the opposing goalkeepers. Vitinha had a long-range shot that was deflected by Akanji, preventing a goal. Ellertsson, who seemed to be gaining confidence, sent a header over the bar, but the Genoa team could not maintain their morale for long.

The turning point in the game occurred when Alex Amorim committed a foul inside the area, resulting in a penalty. Hakan Calhanoglu, showing composure, converted the penalty, deceiving Bijlow and putting Inter in a comfortable position. Genoa, having already suffered a setback, saw their hopes of recovery fade when Ellertsson sent another header wide, while Yann Sommer, Inter’s goalkeeper, prevented an own goal from Akanji.

With this victory, Inter Milan achieved their eighth consecutive win in Serie A, further consolidating their position at the top of the table. Genoa, on the other hand, succumbed to their first defeat in the last three matches, remaining just three points above the relegation zone. The next challenge for rivals AC Milan will be against Cremonese, where they will try to close this monumental gap.