Inter extends unbeaten run with win over Parma
Inter Milan moved to within a point of Serie A leader Napoli after easing to a 3-1 win over Parma at San Siro, extending its unbeaten run to 13 matches in all competitions.
Simone Inzaghi's side moved up to 31 points after 14 games, but Napoli could restore its four-point cushion over Inter with victory against Lazio on Monday (AEDT).
Inter was awarded a penalty with eight minutes on the clock after Mandela Keita clipped the heels of Lautaro Martinez, but after a VAR review, it was changed to a free-kick.
But the hosts found themselves in front five minutes before the break when Federico Dimarco sensationally took the ball on his back foot before firing past Zion Suzuki.
Inter doubled the advantage in the 53rd minute through Nicolo Barella, who picked up Henrikh Mkhitaryan's through ball before sitting down Emanuele Valeri, staying composed to roll the ball confidently home.
The victory was sealed just after the hour-mark when Yann Bisseck flicked Hakan Calhanoglu's corner to Marcus Thuram, who volleyed home his 10th league goal of the season.
Parma did net a late consolation when Matteo Darmian tussled with Dennis Man after Hernani's searching pass, only for the former Manchester United defender to inadvertently bundle the ball beyond Yann Sommer.
Simone Inzaghi showered praise on Inter captain Martinez's display, despite the Argentinean failing to find the back of the net.
Martinex ended the contest having registered more shots, three, and the joint-most touches in the opposition box,five, while also accumulating a team-high expected goals (xG) tally of 0.77 to Inter's 2.31 total.
But Inzaghi lauded Martinez's overall display at the San Siro, which saw only Alessandro Bastoni compete in more duels than his captain.
"He's hugely important. His recovery play at the end was a great signal," Inzaghi said.
"As a former striker, I understand the pressure of scoring, but he needs to stay calm and keep helping the team like that. The goals will come, they always do for him."
Only Juventus (eight), Napoli (nine), Fiorentina (10) and Empoli (14) have conceded more goals than Inter (15) in Serie A this term, leaving Inzaghi frustrated at the way his side let in a needless own goal at full-time.
"I'm very satisfied with what the lads achieved. We showed aggression and focus against a team that has been playing really well. I’m very happy," Inzaghi said.
"The only downside was the goal we conceded. It wasn’t deserved. If I had to pick one thing to criticise, it would be that.
"But overall, I’m very happy with the team’s performance."
