Inter played in Antonio Conte’s image to beat Atalanta last night, according to a report in the Italian media.
The Nerazzurri dug out a 1-0 win of enormous importance at San Siro, re-establishing their six-point lead over AC Milan at the top of Serie A.
Gazzetta dello Sport’s print edition argued Inter won the match by channelling ‘the dear mystique of suffering’, withstanding Atalanta’s possession to secure the points.
Milan Skriniar scored the winning goal and the report said this was symbolic of how Inter’s true strength under Conte is their defence.
Inter’s performance was compared to AC Milan’s display in their win at Hellas Verona on Sunday, with both sides producing team performances that didn’t necessarily contain individual stars.
Romelu Lukaku wasted two easy chances last night, the report continued, while Lautaro Martinez and Achraf Hakimi didn’t shine either.
Atalanta were ‘one of the tallest mountains’ Conte’s side had left to climb in their title run-in, the Milan-based paper suggested, with three more tough assignments on paper to come in Napoli, Roma and Juventus.
Inter’s win last night was their seventh consecutive success in the league, in which time they have conceded just two goals.