Serie A: Inter strengthen Scudetto hopes with narrow win over their closest rivals

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Inter Milan edged out Juventus 1-0 in the Derby d’Italia to move four points clear at the top of Serie A on Sunday (February 4) at the San Siro in Milan.

There was little to choose between the sides at San Siro, but the Nerazzurri made the crucial breakthrough just before half-time when Juve defender Federico Gatti diverted a cross into his own net.

Juve goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny produced a fine late save from Inter substitute Marko Arnautovic as Simone Inzaghi’s men put themselves firmly in the driving seat for the Scudetto.

Inter had started brightly, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s long-range effort deflecting just wide. Federico Dimarco went close in the 18th minute when he met a cross from Benjamin Pavard at the back post, but sent a volley into the side-netting.

Hakan Calhanoglu picked out Dimarco with a crossfield pass, which the Inter winger then laid on to Marcus Thuram, who looked set to slot the ball in – but Juve’s Brazilian defender Bremer made a superb saving tackle.

Juve threatened when Weston McKennie pushed forwards and played in Dusan Vlahovic, but the Serbian forward’s first touch was too heavy.

Inter – playing a first match at home in a month after two away trips were sandwiched by Super Cup success in Saudi Arabia – eventually made their pressure count in the 37th minute.

After Pavard missed his scissor-kick at a cross in from the right, Thuram just failed to connect with his diving header as the ball bobbled towards goal, then bounced off Gatti for an own goal.

After a slow start to the second half, Inter almost doubled their lead just before the hour when Calhanoglu’s shot hit the outside of the post.

Gatti nearly made amends with an equaliser when his shot flew just wide, before Szczesny saved from Nicolo Barella.

With three minutes left, Szczesny produced a brilliant save at full stretch to deny Arnautovic at point-blank range as he looked to knock in a cross through the Juve penalty area from fellow substitute Denzel Dumfries.

Massimiliano Allegri’s side suffered just a second league defeat of the season, bringing to an end their 19-match unbeaten run through all competitions.