Inter returned to first place in Serie A with a narrow 1-0 victory at Atalanta, decided by Lautaro Martinez midway through the second half. The result moved Inter one point clear at the top heading into 2026, while Atalanta’s strong recent league run stalled in Bergamo.

Although the visitors faced an Atalanta side that had won six of the previous seven games under Raffaele Palladino, Inter controlled key moments. Atalanta created very little threat and finished without a single attempt on target, underlining the defensive discipline shown by Simone Inzaghi’s team.

Inter began with more control in the first half, pressing high and moving the ball quickly, yet chances were limited. The clearest opening fell to Nicolo Barella, who received a low pass from Alessandro Bastoni inside the area but fired over, wasting a rare early opportunity.

The first major twist arrived when Marcus Thuram believed he had broken the deadlock. Inter celebrated after Thuram finished a flowing move, but VAR intervened and ruled the goal out because Martinez had strayed offside in the build-up, cancelling what appeared to be the opener.

After the interval, Atalanta thought they had found a response of their own. Charles De Ketelaere converted from close range following a save from Yann Sommer that denied Nicola Zalewski, yet the assistant’s flag and another offside call meant the hosts’ effort was also chalked off.

The decisive moment came on 65 minutes following a major defensive mistake. Berat Djimsiti played a poor pass out from the back, substitute Pio Esposito intercepted, and then slipped Martinez through on goal. Martinez advanced into space and finished calmly, giving Inter an advantage that never looked likely to disappear.

Martinez again led Inter’s attacking numbers. The Argentine recorded four shots, two on target and five touches inside Atalanta’s box. That contribution continued a strong personal record against Atalanta, with Martinez now involved in 10 goals across 13 Serie A matches against the Bergamo club.

Atalanta’s attack, which had been effective under Palladino in recent weeks, struggled badly here. The hosts finished with an expected goals value of only 0.80 and, crucially, failed to direct any effort on target. Their best late chance saw Lazar Samardzic shoot wide of the far post from eight yards, after a pass from De Ketelaere.

Inter highlighted the importance of the win after full time.

The result also continued Inter’s strong habit in their final Serie A fixture of each calendar year.

Inter have now won six of their last seven closing league matches of a calendar year, drawing the other. With this success, Inter step into 2026 with a slender but important one-point cushion at the summit, while Atalanta must react after a rare blunt attacking display.