Inter One Step Away from the Scudetto: Chivu’s Team Thrashes Cagliari and Extends Lead to +12

Inter took another confident step toward the league title. In the 33rd round of Serie A, Cristian Chivu’s side defeated Cagliari 3–0 at San Siro, extending their lead over closest challengers Napoli to 12 points.

Despite the absence of Lautaro Martínez and Alessandro Bastoni, the Milan club once again proved they are the main favorites this season. The outcome was decided in the second half.

In the first half, the visitors managed to withstand the Nerazzurri pressure. The hosts came close through Dimarco and Pio Esposito, but the score remained goalless at halftime.

After the break, Inter shifted into top gear and effectively settled the contest within four minutes:

• 52nd minute — Marcus Thuram converted Dimarco’s cross to open the scoring.
• 56th minute — Nicolò Barella doubled the lead with a precise strike from outside the box, choosing not to celebrate against his former club.

After that, Cagliari completely lost the initiative, while the hosts calmly controlled the match. In stoppage time, Piotr Zieliński sealed the final result with a spectacular shot into the top corner — 3–0.

Inter now await the result of Napoli’s clash with Lazio, but with such a commanding advantage, the title race is gradually turning into a formality. The championship countdown for Chivu’s team has effectively begun.

Mkhitaryan Played 76 Minutes

Armenian midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan started the match and played 76 minutes.

Mkhitaryan’s Statistics (SofaScore)

• Key passes — 2
• Expected assists (xA) — 0.16
• Accurate passes — 28 (92%)
• Fouls won — 1
• Possession lost — 10
• Tackles — 1
• Ball recoveries — 5
• Duels won — 2/7
• Fouls committed — 2
• Eurosport rating — 5.5

An Italian outlet noted that Mkhitaryan actively supported the defense and positioned himself close to the back line when out of possession. However, during attacking phases, he too often opted for complex creative solutions and did not always find understanding with his teammates.