Calhanoglu strike sends Inter top as Como claim Napoli scalp

Inter Milan moved to the top of Serie A with a 1-0 victory away from home against Cagliari on Sunday, while Napoli suffered a damaging 2-1 defeat by Como in the second round of matches.

Hakan Calhanoglu scored the only goal of the game after just nine minutes to give the defending champions a second win of the season and six points from their opening two fixtures. Cagliari remain on three points and sit 13th.

Inter needed little time to break through in Sardinia. Nicolo Barella carried the ball inside from the right before sending a cross towards Calhanoglu, who struck a first-time right-footed shot from outside the penalty area into the bottom corner.

Lautaro Martinez came close to doubling the visitors’ lead when he turned sharply before shooting just wide of the post. Manuel Akanji also threatened from a free-kick delivered by Federico Dimarco, but his header drifted beyond the far post.

Cagliari goalkeeper Elia Caprile kept his side in the contest with an outstanding save to deny a powerful effort from Barella. He was called upon again when Dimarco’s fierce attempt was deflected over the crossbar.

The hosts came under further pressure shortly after half-time. Caprile reacted quickly to get down and keep out an effort from Esposito on the goal-line, following another pass from Barella.

Cagliari gradually began to regain control as the match approached the hour mark, but Inter held on to claim an important away victory.

Curtis Jones made his first appearance for Inter, while John Stones also came off the substitutes’ bench. Alessandro Bastoni was unable to keep his effort on target after receiving a cross from Dimarco.

Elsewhere, Napoli were beaten 2-1 by Como in front of their home supporters.

Como took the lead in the 17th minute through Martin Baturina, but Napoli responded when Rasmus Højlund equalised after half an hour.

The visitors restored their advantage only four minutes later, with Anastasios Douvikas scoring to put Como back in front. Napoli, managed by Massimiliano Allegri, could not find a second equaliser and remain on three points in 10th place.

Como’s victory lifted them to four points and sixth in the table.

Lazio also made it two wins from two by beating Genoa 1-0 at home. Davide Frattesi scored the decisive goal in the 25th minute, taking Lazio to six points and fourth place.

Genoa, meanwhile, remain without a point and are 16th.

The original coverage also promoted free Serie A viewing on stc tv for customers with Baiti Fiber, Postpaid 4, Max, Pro 4 and Pro 5 packages. It additionally invited readers to discuss the matches and wider football news in Kooora forums.