Atalanta snatch a late equalizer at San Siro, denying Inter crucial Serie A points.
Inter and Atalanta battled to a dramatic 1-1 draw at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on March 14, 2026. A late equalizer by Nikola Krstovic cancelled out Francesco Pio Esposito's opener, denying the league leaders maximum points.
Inter entered the match as Serie A leaders, holding 67 points and aiming to consolidate their position. Their recent form was strong, despite a lone loss in their last five outings. Atalanta, sitting seventh with 46 points, sought to continue their push for European qualification, arriving in Milan with solid form.
The first half saw both teams trade blows, though Inter commanded more possession. Tensions flared early when Sead Kolasinac and Petar Sucic both received yellow cards in the 22nd minute for rough play.
Inter then broke the deadlock four minutes later. In the 26th minute, young striker Francesco Pio Esposito skillfully converted a chance. Nicolò Barella provided the assist, setting up Esposito to guide the ball home and put Inter ahead. The home side continued to press for a second goal before halftime.
At the break, Inter held a narrow lead, but Atalanta showed flashes of danger. Gian Piero Gasperini’s men needed to find more attacking penetration to break down Inter’s defence. Simone Inzaghi’s side aimed to build on their advantage and secure the win.
The second half began with tactical changes. Petar Sucic was replaced by Henrikh Mkhitaryan for Inter at the restart. Atalanta introduced Gianluca Scamacca and Lazar Samardzic in the 52nd minute, signaling their intent to attack more forcefully. Carlos Augusto picked up a yellow card for Inter in the 59th minute.
As the match approached its final stages, Atalanta intensified their efforts. Their persistence paid off in the 83rd minute. Nikola Krstovic found the net, leveling the score for the visitors. The goal ignited Atalanta’s hopes and stunned the home crowd.
However, drama was not over. Immediately after the equalizer, Inter's C. Chivu received a yellow card. Just two minutes later, in the 85th minute, Chivu was shown a second yellow, resulting in a red card and reducing Inter to ten men. Atalanta’s Charles De Ketelaere was booked for delay of game in stoppage time.
Inter dominated possession with 58% and fired 16 shots, though only 3 were on target. Atalanta managed 7 total shots, also with 3 on target. Inter's expected goals (xG) was 1.59 compared to Atalanta's 1.08, reflecting Inter's greater attacking threat despite the shared spoils.
This draw sees Inter remain at the top of Serie A but allows chasing rivals a chance to close the gap. Atalanta earned a valuable point away from home, strengthening their European qualification bid.
