MILAN: Inter Milan reclaimed the top spot in Serie A with a 2-0 victory over Venezia on Wednesday, while Samuel Mbangula’s hat-trick inspired Bologna to a stunning 4-2 win against AC Milan. Juventus, meanwhile, suffered another setback with a 2-0 defeat away to Genoa.
Inter moved level on 25 points with Lazio at the top of the standings ahead of Saturday’s highly anticipated Milan derby. However, coach Cristian Chivu admitted that his side would need to improve after an unconvincing performance against struggling Venezia.
Inter initially struggled to break down their opponents, who threatened on several occasions. Venezia thought they had taken the lead through Lion Lauberbach, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Akor Adams also found the net, only for the assistant referee to raise the flag again.
Inter eventually secured the points through two own goals by Matias Moreno and Redouane Halhal within a two-minute spell, leaving Venezia rooted to the bottom of the table.
“We need to regain mental and physical energy,” Chivu said, acknowledging that his team must be better prepared for the derby.
Mbangula hat-trick sinks AC Milan
At San Siro, Bologna produced one of the standout performances of the season as Samuel Mbangula scored three times to secure a 4-2 victory over AC Milan.
Mbangula opened the scoring inside eight minutes before AC Milan responded through Alphadjo Cisse, who capitalised on a defensive error.
The Bologna forward restored his side’s advantage in the 27th minute, finishing a cross from Fikayo Tomori. The contest remained fiercely competitive after the break, with an own goal by Davide Bartesaghi extending Bologna’s lead before Mbangula struck again.
The 22-year-old completed his hat-trick with a composed finish past goalkeeper Mike Maignan, sealing a memorable victory for the visitors.
AC Milan coach Ruben Amorim cited fatigue and a lengthy injury list as major factors behind the defeat, admitting that his team lacked energy throughout the contest.
The result dealt a blow to Milan’s title ambitions ahead of the derby against Inter.
Juventus suffer another setback
Juventus continued their inconsistent campaign with a 2-0 defeat against Genoa at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris.
Kingsley Ehizibue opened the scoring with an angled effort before Tommaso Baldanzi doubled Genoa’s advantage in the 28th minute. Juventus struggled to respond, extending their difficulties in securing consecutive league victories.
The Turin club will now turn their attention to Sunday’s clash against Napoli, who strengthened their position in the table with a commanding 4-1 victory over Monza.
Napoli took the lead through Rasmus Hojlund before Gustavo Varela equalised shortly before half-time. The visitors then took control in the second half, with Matteo Politano, Rafa Marin and substitute Kevin De Bruyne finding the net.
The victory moved Napoli to sixth place, level on points with Juventus.
Elsewhere, Parma and Udinese played out a goalless draw after Adrian Bernabe had a penalty saved by goalkeeper Maduka Okoye.
With the Milan derby approaching, Inter will aim to consolidate their position at the top, while AC Milan must recover quickly from their defeat to Bologna. Juventus, meanwhile, face mounting pressure to regain consistency as the Serie A title race gathers pace.
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