Lautaro Martinez brace shoots Inter Milan to top as Juventus falter against Sassuolo, Antonio Conte reacts (Match Report)

Serie A topshot Lautaro Martinez was on song for Inter, scoring twice to put the Nerazzurri to the top by beating SPAL 2-1.

The Antonio Conte-tutored side leapfrogged Juventus, who drew 2-2 with Sassuolo today, to set a new all-time record as Inter’s best ever start to a Serie A season, winning 12 of the opening 14 rounds.

It was a struggle to start with, but Inter took the lead with their first real chance. Mirko Valdifiori was caught in possession, Lautaro Martinez sprinted to the edge of the box and his snooker shot of a finish went through Igor’s legs into the far bottom corner.

Francesco Vicari made a decisive block on Romelu Lukaku and Etrit Berisha parried Marcelo Brozovic’s effort, but Andrea Petagna was left with a large cut on his cheekbone after an accidental collision with Stefan de Vrij’s arm.

Inter doubled their lead just before half-time, as Antonio Candreva whipped in a cross from the right and Lautaro Martinez made the run from deep, ghosting between defenders for a free header.

Gabriel Strefezza had been in doubt for this match and limped off just before half-time. SPAL got one back with their first shot on target, as Mattia Valoti went on a surprising mazy run, riding one tackle, squirming between defenders and his slightly scuffed finish rolled into the far bottom corner.

Alessandro Murgia failed to make the most of a defensive error, but at the other end Berisha beat Lautaro Martinez’s header off the line.

Lukaku set up Candreva for an angled drive, forcing Berisha into a tricky low save, then the Belgian also sent Lautaro Martinez clear, but he hesitated and Berisha managed to make a tackle with his outstretched boot, one-on-one.

Meanwhile, Antonio Conte has reacted to his team’s victory, saying he is “proud” to see Inter on top of the table after a record-breaking start to the season.

“We’ve been working since Day One to make an impact and annoy the other teams. Being back on top of the table after 14 rounds makes us proud, because we know the journey we’ve been through to get here,” Conte told Sky Sport Italia as cited by Football Italia.

“At the same time, it should give us positive enthusiasm, push us to do even better and control the game without suffering to the end the way we did today, because in those circumstances a cross or deflected shot can change everything.

“We were determined today and knew Juventus had dropped points, so were prepared to make the most of the situation. We deserved to beat SPAL and it’s important to remember we are focused on our own growth process, which is in full swing, so we’re not trying to compare ourselves with others.

“Lautaro – we call him Lauty – used to live for the goal, but I was very clear with him that the top strikers are the ones who work for the team, who track back in defence and seek each other out. Romelu Lukaku, for instance, didn’t score today, but he was constantly involved.”

Conte was asked if he sleeps better as the Serie A leader rather than in second place.

“I don’t sleep much in general, to be honest…”