Inter Milan overturn two-goal deficit to defeat Napoli at San Siro

Inter Milan produced a dramatic second-half comeback at San Siro, recovering from 2-0 down to beat Napoli 3-2 and move top of Serie A with a perfect record after three matches.

The result was secured in the first minute of stoppage time, when captain Lautaro Martinez reacted quickest to a loose ball inside the Napoli penalty area and fired into the net after the visitors’ defence failed to clear.

Napoli had appeared to be in control after scoring twice in the space of three minutes early in the second half. Matteo Politano opened the scoring in the 50th minute, before Rasmus Højlund doubled the advantage in the 53rd.

Inter, however, immediately began their recovery. Federico Dimarco delivered a precise first-time cross in the 56th minute, allowing Martinez to finish into an unguarded net and reduce the deficit.

The hosts continued to apply pressure, with Dimarco again creating an opportunity four minutes later when he crossed for Lautaro Martinez, whose effort went narrowly wide. Marcus Thuram then came close to pulling one back in the 74th minute, but his header struck the crossbar.

Thuram finally found the target eight minutes from time. The France international rose to meet another accurate delivery and directed a superb header beyond the Napoli goalkeeper to level the contest.

Inter completed the turnaround in stoppage time, with Lautaro Martinez scoring the decisive goal after the ball broke loose in the area. His finish completed an extraordinary recovery and secured all three points for the home side.

The match had been open from the start. Inter almost took the lead in the second minute when Diouf struck a low effort from the edge of the penalty area, but Alex Meret made an excellent save.

Napoli responded five minutes later when a cross caused confusion in the Inter defence. Zambo Anguissa had two attempts, with Politano also involved in the move, but Inter goalkeeper Josep Martinez denied both efforts in quick succession.

The visitors continued to threaten during a lively first half. Santos tested Josep Martinez with a low shot in the 22nd minute, although the goalkeeper needed two attempts to gather it. At the other end, Yann Bisseck showed impressive skill to work his way past Napoli defenders before sending his shot over the crossbar in the 36th minute.

Inter had one more major chance before the interval, but Højlund failed to convert when left unmarked. The sides therefore went into half-time level at 0-0.

Napoli’s opening goal came after a serious mistake from Nicolo Barella, whose attempted pass back allowed Santos to run through on goal. Santos collided with Josep Martinez, and when the ball returned to Politano, the Napoli forward made no mistake.

Højlund then struck from outside the box to put Napoli two goals ahead, only for Inter to launch their remarkable response.

Inter’s victory leaves them alone at the top of the table with nine points. Napoli remain on three points and drop to 10th place.

Inter’s next match is against Real Madrid on Tuesday in the opening round of the Champions League.