In this Inter vs Cagliari match, I analyse the key tactical moments, individual performances and turning points of the game.
At the Giuseppe Meazza, the feeling was clear: Inter had everything to get it done, but Cagliari didn’t come just to make up the numbers and for a long time, they did exactly that: complicate things.
The first half was more balanced than expected. Cagliari started well, organised in a back five, but without completely dropping off. They closed the centre well, reduced space and forced Inter to look for different solutions. And here, full credit: for long stretches, they managed to neutralise what Inter like to do most.
Inter had more of the ball, yes, but without much aggression. They circulated, tried to break lines, but lacked impact. There were one or two approaches, especially with Thuram providing depth, but nothing really clear and that says a lot about how Cagliari defended: compact, disciplined, uncomfortable.
But there’s an important detail in these games: holding on is one thing, resisting forever is another.
And the second half changed everything. Right from the restart, Inter raised the tempo, sped up decisions and started finding spaces that didn’t exist before. On 52 minutes, the first blow, and it’s one that explains football. A sequence of quick passes, almost all first-time, dragging Cagliari’s defence around, until Dimarco received and played a perfect low ball to the far post, where Thuram only had to tap in. 1-0.
Four minutes later, on 56, the second came. A more chaotic move, but just as effective. One-two, blocked shot and the ball fell to Barella, who didn’t hesitate. He received, drove into the box and struck with power. A goal from someone who felt the moment and it made it 2-0.
And here’s a direct opinion: the game ended at that point. Not because of the score itself, but because of the difference in attacking quality. Cagliari tried to respond, pushed their lines up, had more of the ball than before, but didn’t have the quality to hurt Inter. They lacked creativity, presence in the box, everything you need when you’re chasing the game.
Inter, on the other hand, did exactly what a top team should do. They controlled. Slowed it down when needed, accelerated when space appeared and managed the game.
And then late on, in stoppage time, they sealed it with a moment of pure quality. On 90+2, a move down the left, cut-back cross, loose ball and Zieliński arrived with total class. First-time strike, the ball dipping straight into the top corner. A brilliant goal. 3-0.
Post-match
Inter take another firm step towards the title, without shining in the first half but with total authority in the second. Cagliari showed organisation and defensive discipline for as long as they could, but confirmed their attacking limitations when forced out of their plan.
