Inter Milan flying high ahead of Juventus showdown

Chivu’s side cruise past Sassuolo and reach the big match in peak condition, with an eight-point cushion over Milan

Inter Milan are hitting top gear at exactly the right moment. The 5–0 demolition of Sassuolo confirmed a team in full control, mentally light and physically sharp, marching toward the showdown with Juventus carrying momentum, confidence and a temporary +8 advantage over Milan, who still have a game in hand against Como.

As highlighted by Corriere della Sera via Fcinter1908, this Inter Milan look free of mental and physical ballast, focused on a single clear target: the Scudetto. Everything else, for now, can wait.

Goals, confidence and psychological edge

Sassuolo tried to play their game, pushing forward and forcing Inter Milan to weather a few early storms. Once the initial risks were absorbed, Chivu’s team struck back with authority, pulling out the calculator of a great side: five goals scored and a psychological gap opened in the title race.

AC Milan’s absence this weekend makes the eight-point deficit “virtual”, but heavy nonetheless. Napoli, meanwhile, sit nine points back for real. Numbers that underline the growing pressure behind Inter Milan.

Dimarco the conductor, Lautaro into Inter Milan history

It was close to a perfect night for Cristian Chivu. Federico Dimarco delivered three assists, hit the crossbar and once again dictated the rhythm from the left flank. Lautaro Martinez scored his 171st goal for Inter Milan, drawing level with Roberto Boninsegna in third place on the club’s all-time scorers list.

Marcus Thuram broke a month-long goal drought, while Luis Henrique crowned the night with his first Inter Milan goal, a technically sublime finish for the 5–0. The scoring was completed by headers from two modern defenders, Bisseck and Akanji, symbols of a team that can hurt opponents from everywhere.

Juventus next, one last taboo to break

On the horizon lies a rare free week and then the Valentine’s Night clash against Juventus at San Siro. 

It is the final taboo for Inter Milan: no wins in direct clashes against Milan, Napoli and Juventus across the last 14 encounters.

This Inter Milan side arrives there like a Grand Tour cyclist: transformed by athletic preparation, mentally solid, physically healthy. 

Early defensive lapses against Sassuolo’s vertical transitions remain a point of reflection, but the overwhelming form of Dimarco and the collective spirit instilled by Chivu have become contagious.

The celebration of Lautaro and Thuram for Luis Henrique’s goal said it all. This is a group moving together, fast and with conviction.