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regular-article-logo Monday, 23 December 2024

Inter Milan clinch 20th Serie A crown: We worked so hard and suffered so much, we deserve this joy, says Martinez

A goal from Francesco Acerbi and Marcus Thuram in each half proved sufficient to secure Inter’s victory, with Fikayo Tomori scoring a late goal to reduce the deficit

Reuters, AP/PTI Milan Published 24.04.24, 10:44 AM
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Inter Milan won their 20th Serie A title on Monday after a 2-1 win at AC Milan gave Simone Inzaghi’s side an unassailable lead in the standings.

A goal from Francesco Acerbi and Marcus Thuram in each half proved sufficient to secure Inter’s victory, with Fikayo Tomori scoring a late goal to reduce the deficit.

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The match also witnessed three red cards in stoppage time, with Milan being reduced to nine men as tensions flared, with Theo Hernandez and Davide Calabria getting their marching orders along with Inter’s Denzel Dumfries.

Inter, who have lost only once in the league this season, hold a 17-point advantage over second-placed Milan with five matches remaining.

The San Siro was packed with supporters from both clubs, with Inter fans displaying two stars to symbolise their impending 20th Scudetto, spelling out a message to their rivals: ‘Our destiny, your nightmare.’

“Now, I feel like crying because we worked so hard and, suffered so much, we deserve this joy.

“I dedicate it to my family in Argentina, my children, my team mates and all the fans,” Inter captain Lautaro Martínez said.

Not even the pouring rain could dampen the spirits of the Nerazzurri and their fans.

The match heated up in the opening minutes as both sides engaged in pushing and shouting following a late challenge on Inter’s Nicolo Barella. However, play resumed a few minutes later without
any bookings.

After 18 minutes, the away fans erupted after Benjamin Pavard flicked a corner to a completely unmarked Acerbi, who had little trouble heading in the lead for Inter.

Four minutes after the break, Thuram doubled Inter’s lead by sending a low shot from the edge of the box into the bottom-left corner.

Milan reignited the match 10 minutes before the time when a save from Inter keeper Yann Sommer rebounded off the post and fell into the path of Fikayo Tomori, who headed it home.

In stoppage time, tempers flared as a scuffle broke out between the players which resulted in Dumfries and Hernandez being shown
red cards.

Yet another brawl ensued on the pitch minutes later, culminating in Milan’s Calabria receiving a red card for striking Inter’s Davide Frattesi.

Not even the pouring rain could dampen the spirits of the Nerazzurri and their
fans. After winning eight other trophies, Simone Inzaghi claimed his first league title as a coach.

“Winning the league with five matches left — more or less won with nine matches left, today making it mathematically certain — in a Derby, with Milan the home team, that is something that will remain with us,” Inzaghi said.

“Everyone gave their very valuable contribution so that we could reach goals like this.”

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