Piotr Zielinski’s last-gasp winner secured a dramatic 3-2 victory for Inter over Juventus at a pulsating Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.
This Serie A clash on Valentine's Day 2026 promised fireworks. League leaders Inter, boasting 55 points, hosted fourth-placed Juventus, who sat on 45 points. The Derby d'Italia often delivers intense action, and this fixture was no exception as both teams aimed to strengthen their title ambitions.
Inter took an early lead in the 17th minute. A cross into the box saw Juventus's Andrea Cambiaso inadvertently turn the ball into his own net, making it 1-0 for the home side.
However, Cambiaso quickly redeemed himself. Just nine minutes later, in the 26th minute, Weston McKennie set him up to fire past Yann Sommer, leveling the score at 1-1.
The first half took a crucial turn for Juventus. Defender Pierre Kalulu received his first yellow card in the 32nd minute. Then, in the 42nd minute, Kalulu was shown a second yellow card for holding, resulting in an early red card. Juventus faced a significant challenge, playing the remainder of the match with ten men.
At halftime, the score stood level at 1-1, but the numerical disadvantage forced Juventus into a tactical rethink. Inter, with a man advantage, looked to capitalize and push for a decisive goal in the second half.
Inter pushed hard after the break. Young striker Francesco Esposito, brought on in the 66th minute, made an immediate impact. In the 76th minute, Federico Dimarco provided a precise assist, and Esposito guided the ball home to restore Inter’s lead at 2-1.
Against all odds, Juventus showed incredible resilience. In the 83rd minute, Manuel Locatelli, assisted by McKennie once more, struck a superb equalizer to make it 2-2, sending the away fans into raptures and stunning the home crowd.
The drama was not over. As the clock ticked into the 90th minute, Inter found a final surge. Piotr Zielinski, with an assist from Yann Bisseck, drilled home the winning goal, securing a dramatic 3-2 victory for Inter in stoppage time.
Inter dominated possession with 60% compared to Juventus’s 40%. The home side registered 21 total shots, with 9 on target, achieving an expected goals (xG) of 1.88. Juventus managed 10 shots, with 8 on target, showcasing clinical finishing with an xG of 0.99 despite playing most of the match with ten men.
This thrilling victory extends Inter’s lead at the top of Serie A, solidifying their position in the title race. Juventus, despite a valiant effort with a man down, will reflect on the crucial red card and the late heartbreak.
