Last weekend, Inter began the defense of their Scudetto against Genoa with a disappointing draw. In stoppage time, Yann Bisseck conceded a penalty at the Luigi Ferraris Stadium allowing Genoa to level the game.
On Monday Evening, Lecce were well beaten at home to Atalanta. Lecce conceded four goals within 66 minutes as an impressive Atalanta side ran riot in Apulia.
Both teams looked to improve their respective results in the opening week of the Serie A season.
Inter vs Lecce Starting Lineups
Inter made two changes from the starting lineup in Genoa. Star striker Lautaro Martinez misses out with a minor injury and has been replaced by new summer signing Mehdi Taremi.
Yann Bisseck, who conceded a late penalty last week, was dropped, and French World Cup Winner Benjamin Pavard came into the starting XI.
Lecce made just one change following their 4-0 defeat against Atalanta on Monday. Winger Lameck Banda replaced Tete Morente.
First half: Darmian Makes a Difference
With just five minutes on the clock, Matteo Darmian headed the Nerazzurri into the lead.
Federico Dimarco’s left-footed cross was met by Taremi’s head; the ball bounced and was loose at the back post. Darmian then headed it beyond Wladimiro Falcone in the Lecce goal.
In the 13th minute, Falcone pushed another dangerous Dimarco cross away. The ball fell to Nicolò Barella, whose half-volley was goal-bound before Federico Baschirotto made a heroic head-on block.
Dimarco continued to be a threat from the left. On several occasions, he found a lot of space and delivered dangerous balls into the Lecce penalty area throughout the first half.
Second Half: Calhanoglu Seals the Points for Inter
Marcus Thuram came close five minutes after half time when his left footed volley attempt was fired just wide of the Lecce post.
After a scramble inside the Lecce box involving Taremi and Gaspar, the ball fell to Marcus Thuram. Thuram struck the ball well, but the Lecce defense blocked his effort.
Inter were awarded a penalty in the 67th minute when Gaspar brought Thuram down following a Barella cross.
Calhanoglu made no mistake, converting from 12 yards. Inter were now two goals ahead and provided the Milanese side with breathing space.
Marko Arnautovic came on in the 75th minute. He almost made an immediate impact after heading narrowly over from a whipped ball in from Calhanoglu.
Lecce offered little threat going forward. Sommer comfortably saved a Patrick Dorgu strike from 25 yards.