Inter Milan produced a dramatic second-half comeback to beat Napoli 3-2 in Serie A, with captain Lautaro Martinez scoring twice, including the decisive goal in the final minute of normal time.
The reigning champions looked in serious trouble after Napoli scored twice within three minutes shortly after the interval. Yet Inter responded with determination at San Siro, overturning a two-goal deficit to claim another valuable victory and maintain their perfect start to the season.
The first half ended goalless, with neither side able to find the breakthrough despite a competitive contest. The balance shifted rapidly after the restart, however, as Napoli struck twice in quick succession.
Matteo Politano opened the scoring in the 50th minute. His initial effort was stopped, but he reacted quickly to the rebound and fired a low shot into the bottom corner to give Napoli the lead.
Three minutes later, the visitors doubled their advantage. Rasmus Højlund produced a curling finish that found the net, giving Napoli a 2-0 lead. It was his second goal in as many league matches, adding further pressure on the home side.
Inter needed an immediate response and found one just three minutes later. Federico Dimarco kept a cross from going out of play with an excellent piece of work before delivering the opportunity that allowed Martinez to reduce the deficit.
The goal changed the mood inside San Siro. Inter began pressing forward with greater urgency as they searched for an equaliser, while Napoli were forced to defend their advantage.
Marcus Thuram came close to bringing the hosts level when one of his efforts struck the post. The French forward was eventually rewarded for his persistence eight minutes before the end of normal time, heading the ball into the right-hand corner to make it 2-2.
With momentum firmly behind Inter, the match entered a tense final phase. Both teams pushed for the winning goal, but it was the home side who delivered the decisive blow.
In the final minute of normal time, Martinez found space close to goal and converted from close range to complete Inter’s comeback. His second goal of the night sent the San Siro crowd into celebration and transformed what had looked like a damaging defeat into a memorable victory.
Martinez’s performance was particularly significant because of his role as captain. He not only led the attack but also provided the finishing quality Inter needed after falling two goals behind. His first goal gave the hosts a route back into the contest, while his late strike ultimately settled the match.
Thuram’s equaliser was another crucial moment. After seeing an earlier attempt hit the post, he remained involved in the attack and eventually supplied the goal that restored parity.
The result also underlined Inter’s ability to respond under pressure. Napoli had taken full advantage of a brief period of defensive vulnerability early in the second half, but Inter recovered quickly and gradually shifted the momentum in their favour.
For the reigning Serie A champions, securing maximum points in such circumstances carries significance beyond the result itself. A side capable of recovering from a 2-0 deficit against strong opposition demonstrates considerable resilience, particularly when the winning goal arrives so late.
Napoli will be left to reflect on a match in which they had established a commanding position but were unable to protect it. Inter, meanwhile, can celebrate a comeback led by their captain and powered by a determined second-half display.
At the centre of it all was Martinez. Two goals, including a last-minute winner, made the Argentine forward the defining figure of an extraordinary night at San Siro.
