A first-half own goal from Federico Gatti gave leaders Inter Milan a 1-0 home win against second-placed Juventus on Sunday, increasing their lead at the top of Serie A to four points.
Inter scored eight minutes before the break when a cross into the box eluded Benjamin Pavard's attempted scissor shot and instead hit the stomach of Juve defender Gatti, who deflected the ball into his own goal.
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (US)
The result left Inter with 57 points with one game less than their title rivals, Juve, who have 53. AC Milan are third with 49 points.
Inter coach Simone Inzaghi did not get carried away with the enthusiasm after the match, with a long season ahead of him.
“There are still four intense months left and with many games, we have to continue like this,” he told DAZN. “However, it is just one step on a long journey. Juve and Milan will not give up.”
Inter were aggressive from the start in a lively San Siro in search of their sixth consecutive victory to continue their perfect start to the year.
“We are very happy with the way we prepared, played and controlled the match. The fans pushed us from the warm-up to the final whistle and beyond,” Inzaghi said. “We got a victory, an important and fully deserved victory that we wanted with the whole team.”
Marcus Thurman almost gave Inter the lead around the 30th minute when he met Federico Dimarco's cross inside the box, but Juve defender Bremer thwarted him with a well-timed sliding tackle.
Inter continued to apply pressure in the second half with Hakan Calhanoglu hitting a volley against the post just before the hour mark.
Only Juve's alert Wojciech Szczesny goalkeeping prevented the hosts from doubling their lead, as he made several crucial saves to deny clear scoring opportunities.
Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri was disappointed and stressed that his team is not among the favorites for the title.
“We are happy to do so well, angry about this defeat, but I always said that Inter was the favorite for the Scudetto and I stand by it,” he said. “If we do well, win some games and stay close to them, that's good. Milan are also in the fight and the unexpected is always around the corner.”
He praised his team for their performance in the second half and stated that he sees growth in the team.
“There is a long way to go this season and a lot of points at stake,” Allegri said. “That's why we must get out of this crisis quickly. The boys did well in the second half and fought hard against a very strong team.”
Two goals from Charles De Ketelaere propelled Atalanta to a 3-1 home win over Lazio earlier on Sunday, lifting them to fourth place in Serie A with 39 points, three ahead of Bologna in fifth place.
Mario Pasalic opened the scoring for Atalanta, and De Ketelaere extended the lead with a penalty before adding another in the second half, while Lazio's Ciro Immobile scored a late consolation from the penalty spot.
