FC Inter's Lautaro Martinez celebrates his first goal during the Serie A football match between FC Inter and Fiorentina in Milan, Italy, Sept. 3, 2023. (Photo by Alberto Lingria/Xinhua)
ROME, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- Inter Milan maintained their flawless record in Serie A, overpowering Fiorentina 4-0 on Sunday while Juventus secured a 2-0 victory against Empoli on the road.
Inter, having started the new season with two wins and no goals conceded, saw coach Simone Inzaghi deploy a 3-5-2 formation for Sunday's match. Newcomer Benjamin Pavard started on the bench.
Marcus Thuram was active from the outset and eventually got his maiden goal for Inter in the 23rd minute, capitalizing on a cross from Federico Dimarco. The Frenchman broke the deadlock with a powerful header.
Denzel Dumfries nearly scored just after halftime, but his shot struck the post. However, the Nerazzurri soon doubled their lead when Thuram's pass found Lautaro Martinez, who confidently found the back of the net. The hosts further extended their lead in the 58th minute. After Thuram was fouled in the box, Hakan Calhanoglu confidently converted the resulting penalty. Juan Cuadrado later assisted Lautaro, who rounded off the scoring for Inter.
With this victory, Inter sit atop the table with nine points, edging out city rivals AC Milan on goal difference. The two teams are set to clash in the next round following the international break.
In other Sunday fixtures, Juventus overcame Empoli, even with Dusan Vlahovic's missed penalty, thanks to goals from Danilo and Federico Chiesa. In other matches, Torino edged past Genoa 1-0 with a late goal, while Lecce convincingly defeated Salernitana 2-0. ■
FC Inter's Hakan Calhanoglu scores the penalty kick during the Serie A football match between FC Inter and Fiorentina in Milan, Italy, Sept. 3, 2023. (Photo by Alberto Lingria/Xinhua)
FC Inter's Marcus Thuram celebrates his goal during the Serie A football match between FC Inter and Fiorentina in Milan, Italy, Sept. 3, 2023. (Photo by Alberto Lingria/Xinhua)
FC Inter's Marcus Thuram (C) celebrates his goal with his teammate during the Serie A football match between FC Inter and Fiorentina in Milan, Italy, Sept. 3, 2023. (Photo by Alberto Lingria/Xinhua)
FC Inter's Hakan Calhanoglu celebrates his goal during the Serie A football match between FC Inter and Fiorentina in Milan, Italy, Sept. 3, 2023. (Photo by Alberto Lingria/Xinhua)
FC Inter's Hakan Calhanoglu (L) celebrates his goal with his teammate Marcus Thuram during the Serie A football match between FC Inter and Fiorentina in Milan, Italy, Sept. 3, 2023. (Photo by Alberto Lingria/Xinhua)
FC Inter's Hakan Calhanoglu celebrates his goal during the Serie A football match between FC Inter and Fiorentina in Milan, Italy, Sept. 3, 2023. (Photo by Alberto Lingria/Xinhua)
FC Inter's Hakan Calhanoglu celebrates his goal during the Serie A football match between FC Inter and Fiorentina in Milan, Italy, Sept. 3, 2023. (Photo by Alberto Lingria/Xinhua)
FC Inter's Lautaro Martinez (C) celebrates his second goal with his teammates during the Serie A football match between FC Inter and Fiorentina in Milan, Italy, Sept. 3, 2023. (Photo by Alberto Lingria/Xinhua)
FC Inter's Matteo Darmian (R) vies with Fiorentina's Christian Kouame during the Serie A football match between FC Inter and Fiorentina in Milan, Italy, Sept. 3, 2023. (Photo by Alberto Lingria/Xinhua)
FC Inter's Lautaro Martinez (R) scores his second goal during the Serie A football match between FC Inter and Fiorentina in Milan, Italy, Sept. 3, 2023. (Photo by Alberto Lingria/Xinhua)
FC Inter's Lautaro Martinez (R) celebrates his second goal with his teammate Marcus Thuram during the Serie A football match between FC Inter and Fiorentina in Milan, Italy, Sept. 3, 2023. (Photo by Alberto Lingria/Xinhua)
FC Inter's Lautaro Martinez (Top) scores his first goal during the Serie A football match between FC Inter and Fiorentina in Milan, Italy, Sept. 3, 2023. (Photo by Alberto Lingria/Xinhua)
