Lautaro paves the way, Pio shines. Cagliari 0-2 Inter. | OneFootball

A captain who leads the way and a talented youngster writing the first chapter of his story. Inter win 2-0 at Cagliari in Serie A’s fifth round, with the captain’s decisive contribution and Pio Esposito’s first Serie A goal. It was a tense, physical game played with maturity and magical moments. The present and future intertwined on a night that delivered three valuable points for the Nerazzurri, and plenty of emotion.

The opening goal set the tone of the match. Inter played with composure, maintaining possession and looking to create space through Barella’s runs and Thuram’s creative play. The Frenchman tried several times: first with a backheel that failed to catch Caprile off guard, then with a long-range effort that flew well over. It wasn't his luckiest night, but he was persistent, influential and hard to stop. At the back, the team stayed compact: Martinez handled Cagliari's long balls confidently. The first half ended 1-0, with Inter clearly in control.

The second half kicked off with a bang. In the 53rd minute, Calhanoglu nearly doubled Inter's lead with a powerful right-footed shot that rattled the post. Seconds later, Thuram produced a brilliant solo effort, dribbling past Mina and firing at goal, but Caprile made a vital save. Inter kept pressing, creating, building. Cagliari, however, pushed back. As the game went on, they pushed higher, and Folorunsho smashed a header against the post from a corner. Martinez almost beaten, but Inter remained composed. Lautaro tried to catch the keeper off guard with a quick header, Akanji came close on the volley, and Frattesi almost scored with a rebound just inches from the line. It was a fast-paced game, full of chances at both ends, with the crowd roaring and Inter staying resilient.

In the 82nd minute, the moment of magic came. Dimarco cut in from the left and delivered a perfect low cross into the box. The ball found Pio Esposito, who slotted it into an empty net. His first Serie A goal and a moment to remember. Joy all around as he celebrated with his teammates.

In the final minutes, Mkhitaryan nearly added a third, hitting the post after a brilliant solo effort. Inter finished smiling, strong and unshaken. A team full of young talent growing and making their mark.

CAGLIARI 0-2 INTER

Goals: 9' Lautaro Martinez (I), 82' P. Esposito (I)

CAGLIARI (3-5-2): 1 Caprile; 32 Zé Pedro (58' 17 Felici), 26 Mina, 6 Luperto; 2 Palestra, 8 Adopo, 14 Deiola (58' 10 Gaetano), 90 Folorunsho, 33 Obert; 94 S. Esposito, 19 Belotti (44' 16 Prati). Substitutes: 24 Ciocci, 34 Sarno, 3 Idrissi, 4 Mazzitelli, 9 Kılıçsoy, 15 Rodríguez, 18 Di Pardo, 20 Rog, 21 Cavuoti, 27 Liteta, 29 Borrelli, 30 Pavoletti. Head Coach: Fabio Pisacane.

INTER (3-5-2): 13 J.Martinez; 25 Akanji, 6 De Vrij, 95 Bastoni; 11 Luis Henrique (72' 2 Dumfries), 23 Barella (64' 16 Frattesi), 20 Calhanoglu, 22 Mkhitaryan, 30 Carlos Augusto (46' 32 Dimarco); 9 Thuram (64' 94 P. Esposito), 10 Lautaro (89' 14 Bonny). Substitutes: 1 Sommer, 12 Di Gennaro, 7 Zielinski, 8 Sucic, 15 Acerbi, 17 Diouf, 31 Bisseck, 36 Darmian, 42 Palacios. Head Coach: Cristian Chivu.

Booked: Carlos Augusto (I), Barella (I) Stoppage time: 3' - 3'

Referee: Piccinini Assistants: Mastrodonato-Moro Fourth official: Massimi VAR: Doveri VAR assistant: Gariglio