Inter maintained their 14-point lead at the summit of the league table with a decisive victory over Empoli at San Siro, characterized by a well-executed goal from Federico Dimarco and a late tap-in by Alexis Sanchez.
The Nerazzurri endured a challenging period in the preceding weeks, marked by Francesco Acerbi’s exoneration from allegations of racially insensitive remarks towards Juan Jesus due to insufficient evidence. The incident, coupled with media scrutiny surrounding the 1-1 draw against Napoli, proved to be a source of embarrassment for the club. Additionally, Yann Sommer was rested following an ankle injury sustained on international duty, while Stefan de Vrij and Juan Cuadrado were sidelined. Empoli, meanwhile, was without Tyronne Ebuehi, Etrit Berisha, Ardian Ismajli, and the suspended Youssef Maleh following three consecutive defeats.
The deadlock was broken in the sixth minute when Alessandro Bastoni’s cross found Federico Dimarco at the edge of the penalty area, who swiftly dispatched a left-footed shot into the bottom corner of the net.
Bastoni himself came close to doubling the lead, striking the upright, while Emil Audero intervened superbly to deny a dipping Razvan Marin effort.
Further opportunities arose for Inter, with M’Baye Niang’s shot deflected over and Nicolò Barella failing to hit the target from a Dimarco delivery.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Simone Bastoni also squandered chances, before Benjamin Pavard’s attempt was thwarted by resilient Bartosz Bereszynski defending.
Despite Lautaro Martinez’s inability to convert, Inter extended their advantage when Denzel Dumfries provided a precise cross from the right, allowing Alexis Sanchez to capitalize with a simple finish from close range.
Inter 2-0 Empoli