(Watch Highlights) Inter Milan save Antonio Conte’s blushes, crush Sassuolo away from San Siro (Match Report)

Inter had a lightning start with Alexis Sanchez and a Vlad Chiriches own goal, then Roberto Gagliardini’s half-volley settled it to end Sassuolo’s unbeaten record and catch them on 18 points.

This was a head-to-head for second place, with the hosts still unbeaten and behind only Milan going into Week 9, but confidence was low in the Nerazzurri camp after their Champions League setback.

It was a fast and furious start from Inter, as a poor clearance was intercepted by Lautaro Martinez, who managed to go around Andrea Consigli, his shot was blocked by Vlad Chiriches, but he was alert to roll across for Alexis Sanchez to tap in.

They were so fired up after recent disappointments and moments later Ivan Perisic stung Consigli’s gloves at the near post, then the Lautaro Martinez lob floated inches wide of an open goal.

Chiriches was involved yet again in a nightmare start for the ex-Napoli defender, as he gave away an avoidable corner, then on that set play Arturo Vidal’s pull-back hit Chiriches to ricochet in for an own goal.

The Nerazzurri were playing with the ferocity that Antonio Conte had asked for, Maxime Lopez caught in possession for another Lautaro Martinez chance.

However, Sassuolo gradually took control of the game, as Filip Djuricic’s curler from the edge of the area clipped the far post, then the same player tested Samir Handanovic at the by-line.

Handanovic also had to parry from Jeremy Toljan after a Giacomo Raspadori nutmeg, then Manuel Locatelli’s header whistled just wide. Chiriches’ day went from bad to worse, as he then limped off with a suspected hamstring strain.

The hosts continued to dominate possession without finding the net and ran risks on the counter, with Lautaro Martinez firing over from Matteo Darmian’s cross.

Just as the Neroverdi were pouring forward, Inter scored a third when the high press worked to win it back and Roberto Gagliardini blasted in off the outside of the right boot with a wicked spin into the far corner, as the ball bounced up beautifully for him.

Alessandro Bastoni charged down a Locatelli strike, and Alexis Sanchez volleyed over following a wonderful build-up between Gagliardini and Lautaro.

Romelu Lukaku came off the bench and had the ball in the net, but was clearly offside.

Photo Credit: Twitter/inter