Inter edge past Cagliari as Hakan Calhanoglu strike proves decisive

Inter held on for a narrow 1-0 victory over Cagliari in the second round of Serie A, with Hakan Calhanoglu’s early effort settling a closely contested match.

The Turkey international scored the only goal in the ninth minute, producing the kind of difficult, low-driven shot that gave the goalkeeper no chance to move across and make the save. His finish ultimately separated the two sides, although Inter had to withstand considerable pressure during the second half.

Calhanoglu, 32, was later named Player of the Match after providing the moment that secured Inter’s second win of the season.

Inter had enough opportunities to win by three goals, but their failure to convert a number of chances left the door open for Cagliari to find an equaliser. The hosts threatened the Milan side’s goal several times after the interval, creating the possibility that Inter’s missed opportunities could prove costly.

However, Inter goalkeeper Josep Martinez and the team’s defence prevented Cagliari from turning those attacks into a goal. Their interventions ensured that Calhanoglu’s strike was enough to preserve all three points in a game that became increasingly difficult for the visitors to control.

The match also marked the Inter debut of Curtis Jones, who joined from Liverpool. The midfielder came on as a substitute in the 65th minute, replacing Petar Sucic.

Inter began their Serie A campaign with a convincing 4-1 win over newly promoted Monza in the opening round. The victory against Cagliari means they have maintained their perfect start, despite making the result far less comfortable than their opening-day performance.

Their next challenge will be a meeting with Napoli on Saturday in the third round of Serie A. Inter will go into that fixture encouraged by two wins from two matches, but aware that they will need to be more clinical after wasting several chances against Cagliari.

For now, Calhanoglu’s familiar low finish has provided the difference. Cagliari pushed for a way back into the match, particularly in the second half, but Martinez and the Inter defence protected the narrow advantage until the final whistle.