Inter Milan secured a 2-0 win over Lecce, with goals from Matteo Darmian and Hakan Calhanoglu, to reignite their Serie A title defence. This victory followed a draw against Genoa in their opening match. Inter's final season at the San Siro began on a high note, propelling them to the top of the early standings.
Darmian opened the scoring in the fifth minute, reacting swiftly to Mehdi Taremi's effort and heading past Wladimiro Falcone. Despite controlling the game, Inter had to wait until the 69th minute to extend their lead. A penalty was awarded after Kialonda Gaspar fouled Marcus Thuram, and Calhanoglu converted it flawlessly.

Calhanoglu's penalty marked his 17th consecutive successful spot-kick for Inter, setting a record in Italy's top flight since data collection began in 2005/06. Giampaolo Pazzini previously held the record with 16 consecutive penalties between 2012 and 2020.
Inter's performance against Lecce was a stark contrast to their lacklustre display in their opening game. The team showed glimpses of the form that led them to their 20th Serie A title last season. The defending champions will continue their campaign next weekend against Atalanta, who play Torino on Sunday.
The victory at San Siro was crucial for Inter as they aim to retain their crown this season. The team's ability to bounce back from an underwhelming start demonstrates their resilience and determination.
Inter Milan's official Twitter account celebrated the win with a post: "First game at San Siro Victory #ForzaInter #InterLecce pic.twitter.com/e6wfEWDFg5" - Inter (@Inter_en) August 24, 2024.
The match showcased Inter's attacking prowess and defensive solidity, key elements that will be vital throughout the season. With players like Darmian and Calhanoglu stepping up, Inter looks poised for another strong campaign.
The upcoming fixture against Atalanta will be another test for Inter as they seek to maintain their momentum. Fans will be eager to see if the team can build on this victory and continue their quest for back-to-back titles.
This win not only boosted Inter's position in the standings but also provided a morale boost after a shaky start. The team's performance has set a positive tone for the rest of the season.
As Inter prepares for their next challenge, supporters remain hopeful that this victory is just the beginning of another successful campaign. The team's focus now shifts to maintaining consistency and building on this early success.