Author: Barkha Roy
Milan – Lazio – 2:0
The turning point of the match came in the 60th minute, when Tijjani Reijnders played a precise pass to Rafael Leão, who delivered a pinpoint cross for Pulisic. Showing his clinical finishing ability, Pulisic sent the ball into the goal with the inside of his left foot to a standing ovation from the San Siro crowd. Pulisic’s goal was a significant contribution, scoring his third goal for Milan since his transfer from Chelsea in the summer. The goal ended a month-long goal drought for the talented American striker.
Another US talent, Yunus Musah, came close to doubling Milan’s lead in the 73rd minute, but his shot was spectacularly denied by Lazio goalkeeper Ivan Provedel. Earlier in the first half, Provedel had made an equally impressive save to thwart Olivier Giroud’s attempt to celebrate his 37th birthday with a goal. Reijnders’ shot from the rebound hit the post.
Milan sealed the win in the final moments of the match when Noah Okafor scored a direct goal after some brilliant work by Leão. Although Lazio believed they had secured a consolation goal in the final moments with Pedro’s magnificent shot, the goal was disallowed due to an earlier offside.
Milan faced a potential setback when midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek was forced off with an injury in the first half.
The only Brazilian player in the match, Felipe Anderson, initially had a promising opportunity when he moved towards Zaccagni’s wing and found himself in a position to score. However, his left-footed shot hit the side netting, missing the chance to score early on. As the match progressed, he helped Marusic more and more with defensive duties during the second half. Finally, with 15 minutes to go, he was substituted, apparently because he had run out of attacking ideas.
This crucial victory allowed Milan to maintain their joint lead with Inter Milan at the top of the Serie A table, with 18 points from seven games.
Salernitana – Inter – 0:4
In another Serie A match, Inter Milan witnessed a historic performance from Lautaro Martinez. Coming off the bench, Martinez scored four goals to lead Inter to an imposing 4-0 victory over Salernitana. This extraordinary display allowed Inter to regain top spot in Serie A with 18 points from seven games.
Martinez’s remarkable feat made him the first player in the last 30 Serie A seasons to score four goals as a substitute since the introduction of three points for a win in 1994-95.
Although Salernitana kept Inter in check in the first half, Martinez opened the scoring in the 62nd minute with a fine shot over the goalkeeper. Although Salernitana seemed to have equalized briefly, the goal was disallowed due to an early offside.
Martinez completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot after a foul on Matteo Lovato, and rounded off the evening with a goal after Carlos Augusto’s cross. With this remarkable achievement, Martinez solidified his position as Serie A’s top scorer, with nine goals in seven league games.
Carlos Augusto showed a dynamic presence on the flanks, creating chaos with his exceptional speed and skillful touches. As the only Brazilian player in the match, he provided an excellent assist by sending a perfect cross into the center of Lautaro Martinez.