Inter Milan 1-0 Atalanta: Skriniar’s strike helps Inter maintain Numero uno position in Serie A

Milan Skrinian-Inter Milan

Inter extended their lead by six points at the top of the table after edging out Atalanta.

Inter Milan edged out Atalanta 1-0 at San Siro, with defender Milan Skriniar scoring the winning goal.

Inter have been excellent this season but they had the task of stopping Atalanta, who were coming on the back of a thumping win against Crotone and their record over the last few weeks also looked the same as Antonio Conte’s side.

Even though Inter had their best eleven on the paper, Atalanta looked more dangerous with their attack in the first half, with goalkeeper Samir Handanovic making a brilliant save against Duvan Zapata’s strike. Djimsiti’s chance was also cleared off the goal-line by Marcelo Brozovic.

However, much to the dismay of Atalanta, Nerazzurri opened the account through defender Milan Skriniar – their only shot on target of the entire game – and the goal turned out to be the winning one in the end.

Inter extended their lead to six points at the top of the table meanwhile Atalanta failed to go past Roma to the fourth spot.

Atalanta’s momentum must have taken a slight knock ahead of their Champions League game against Real Madrid next week.

Handanovic, who put on an impressive display between the sticks, admitted that Gasperini’s men gave tough times however he was happy to see Nerazzurri claiming all three points.

“We expected a difficult match because Atalanta are an excellent team.

“They are showing it both in Italy and in Europe, they are not easy to play against. I think it was a game where we suffered a bit, but we still win this way.

“It was a tough game, physically and tactically. The important thing is to always win because all of the matches are worth three points.”

Goals: 29 
Conceded: 7 
Clean sheets: 5 
Antonio Conte's Inter have now won 10 consecutive Serie A home games and sit six points clear at the top of the table.

We have re-established our lead and it adds even more pressure to know that you’re playing your game in hand after all the other contenders have won their respective fixtures. There was a lot in it but we hope to carry on improving from now until the end, it’s also important to mention that Atalanta is a tough team that takes points from all of the big sides. They were warier than they had been in previous games against us, so these are three important points won against an excellent side. Beating Atalanta is also important for our title hopes. because they are a team with a great mindset and they could also have their say in the title race.

Antonio Conte, Inter Milan on if Atalanta match could have been a large obstacle for title hopes
Milan Skriniar’s game by numbers vs. Atalanta: 
65 touches 
6 duels won 
5 clearances 
5 interceptions 
5 ball recoveries 
3 tackles 
2 shots 
1 shot on target 
1 goal 
1 clean sheet