Inter Milan closed the gap on Serie A leaders Napoli to just one point with a 3-1 victory over Parma at the San Siro on Friday, setting the stage for a crucial Champions League clash against Bayer Leverkusen next week.
Federico Dimarco and Nicolo Barella scored well-taken goals on either side of halftime, while Marcus Thuram sealed the win with a composed volley in the 67th minute, bringing Inter level on 31 points with second-placed Atalanta.
The Bergamo side could temporarily take the league lead later on Friday with a win over AC Milan.
Napoli, who face Lazio on Sunday night after their Italian Cup exit at the hands of the same team, remain narrowly ahead in the title race.
Inter’s triumph extended their unbeaten streak in all competitions to 14 matches. A victory against Leverkusen on Tuesday would likely secure their spot in the Champions League last 16 with two group matches still to play.
Despite Parma’s late consolation goal, courtesy of a Matteo Darmian own goal, Inter head coach Simone Inzaghi fielded a strong starting XI, including captain Lautaro Martinez, who marked his 300th appearance for the club.
However, Martinez’s struggles in front of goal continued as he missed several clear chances, including a one-on-one opportunity against Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki.
Thuram, who netted his 10th league goal of the season, delivered a standout performance.
The French forward, born in Parma during his father Lilian Thuram’s successful stint with the club, added a nostalgic connection to the win.
Lilian was part of Parma’s golden era, which included victories in the UEFA Cup and Italian Cup in 1999 alongside legends like Gianluigi Buffon and Fabio Cannavaro.