Inter forward Lautaro Martínez netted a second-half double to secure his team a 2-0 win at Pisa, ensuring the away side very much involved in the Serie A championship battle in spite of a somewhat shaky performance.
Under Cristian Chivu, Inter now sit in third position in the table with 27 points total, tied with runner-up Roma and only one point behind leaders Milan. Meanwhile, Pisa occupy the third bottom spot with 10 points.
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to return to winning ways after enduring a loss to rivals by Milan last weekend, followed by a European defeat at Atlético Madrid. Nonetheless, they were made to battle all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts created plenty of opportunities, but a clinical Inter scored the opener in the 69th minute mark when Argentine Martínez drilled a one-time shot into the roof of the net. The attacker then finished from point-blank with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s capacity to convert despite difficult circumstances was crucial in securing the victory.
In Spain, the Basque side staged a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to lose to a goal five minutes into added time. The visitors’ scoring came from Ayoze Pérez just after the 30-minute mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler soon reduced the deficit and Ander Barrenetxea leveled the score three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro had the last word late in stoppage time.
Later on La Liga fixture, Real Madrid journey to Girona requiring a victory to return to the summit above Barcelona, who recorded a 3-1 win over Alavés on the previous day.
Elara Vance is a seasoned travel writer and luxury lifestyle expert, sharing her passion for discovering exclusive experiences around the globe.
Darlene Mills
Darlene Mills