Serie A: Dumfries and Martinez Star as Inter Milan Down Empoli 3-1

Lautaro Martinez scored a stunning long-range goal to help Inter Milan defeat Empoli 3-1, with Denzel Dumfries and Marcus Thuram also on target in a convincing win at San Siro.

Inter Milan relied on a moment of brilliance from Lautaro Martinez to break the deadlock, ultimately defeating Empoli 3-1 at San Siro. Martinez's goal was followed by strikes from Denzel Dumfries and Marcus Thuram, securing a much-needed win for the Nerazzurri. After a shaky start to 2025, including a Supercoppa Italiana loss to Milan and a 2-2 draw with Bologna, Inter were eager to get back on track.

Inter's preparations for the match were hindered by injuries to key players, including Hakan Calhanoglu, Joaquin Correa, and Yann Bisseck. Marcus Thuram and Francesco Acerbi were also not at full fitness, while coach Simone Inzaghi served a touchline ban. Empoli, meanwhile, had struggled in recent matches, earning just one point from their previous five rounds. The visitors were also without several key players, including Tino Anjorin, Pietro Pellegri, and Ola Solbakken.

Empoli goalkeeper Devis Vasquez made an instant impact upon his return, producing a spectacular one-handed save to deny Lautaro Martinez's acrobatic bicycle-kick in the 14th minute. Martinez continued to threaten, clipping the upright with a half-volley, although there was a possibility of a handling offense. Nicolò Barella also had two chances to score, thumping two right-foot volleys over the bar from the edge of the area. Alberto Grassi made a crucial interception to prevent Denzel Dumfries from finding Kristjan Asllani in the box.

Kristjan Asllani attempted to weave his way into the box, but his progress was halted when he ran into Mattia De Sciglio's leg. The referee deemed it a fair challenge and waved play on, denying Inter a potential penalty claim. Despite their dominance, Inter struggled to find a breakthrough, and it seemed they would need a moment of individual brilliance to unlock the Empoli defense.

That moment of magic arrived when Lautaro Martinez unleashed a stunning long-range curler that swerved and dipped into the far top corner. Devis Vasquez, the Empoli goalkeeper, managed to get his fingertips to the ball, but it was not enough to prevent the goal. Martinez continued to threaten, but another attempt was too close to Vasquez. Youssouf Maleh also had a chance, but his finish was deflected onto the side-netting after he intercepted a wayward pass from Yann Sommer.

Inter get the job done in the second half 💪#InterEmpoli pic.twitter.com/Nr5wj6LQ2N

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) January 19, 2025

Inter eventually sealed the win with a towering header from Denzel Dumfries, who nodded down Kristjan Asllani's corner into the ground. This goal capped off a fine recent scoring run for Dumfries. However, Empoli refused to give up, and Inter-owned striker Sebastiano Esposito pulled a goal back for the visitors. Esposito controlled a precise Liam Henderson cross, shook off Stefan de Vrij, and drilled the ball home from nine yards, giving Empoli a glimmer of hope.

Lautaro Martinez, take a bow! 🙇‍♂️#InterEmpoli 1-0 pic.twitter.com/UE4zWDcN3r

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) January 19, 2025

Empoli's inability to capitalize on a free kick proved costly, as Inter quickly seized the opportunity to counterattack. Marko Arnautovic expertly sprang the offside trap and selflessly rolled the ball across the box for Marcus Thuram, who scored with ease, doubling Inter's advantage.

As the match drew to a close, Inter pushed for a fourth goal. In stoppage time, Carlos Augusto met Nicolò Barella's cross with a header, but unfortunately, it sailed wide of the back post, denying Inter the opportunity to add further gloss to the scoreline.