Inter Milan defeated AS Roma 5-2 at San Siro on April 5, 2026, extending their lead at the top of Serie A to nine points. Lautaro Martinez marked his return from injury with two goals, breaking the deadlock within the first minute after a precise pass from Marcus Thuram. Hakan Calhanoglu fired a long-range strike just before halftime, regaining the lead after Gianluca Mancini had equalized for Roma in the 40th minute. Inter surged further ahead in the second half, with Martinez scoring his 16th league goal of the season in the 52nd minute, again assisted by Thuram, who then headed in Calhanoglu's corner. Nicolo Barella capitalized on defensive errors to score Inter's fifth goal after the 60th minute, completing the scoring before Lorenzo Pellegrini's late consolation goal for Roma.
Roma's defeat leaves them in sixth place, three points behind fourth-placed Como, who face Udinese the following day. Juventus, level on points with Roma, play Genoa at home. The win ends Inter's recent dip in form and strengthens their position as favorites to claim their 21st Serie A title. Martinez's immediate impact following nearly two months out highlights his importance to the team's attacking cohesion.
Lautaro Martinez didn't just score twice—he reset Inter's rhythm with his first touch of the game, proving that even a minute can define a title race. His early goal, assisted by Marcus Thuram, exposed Roma's fragile setup and showed how quickly Inter can dismantle opponents when their captain is on the pitch. Roma's Champions League hopes now hinge on others slipping up, not on their own form.
