Inter beat Cagliari 0-1 in Serie A, taking the points at Unipol Domus with an early goal and then controlling the rest of the night. H. Calhanoglu scored from N. Barella's assist, and that strike stood up as Cagliari failed to register a shot on target.

Match Summary

Inter set the terms almost immediately. N. Barella created the chance and H. Calhanoglu put the visitors in front after nine minutes. It was the only goal of the match, leaving Cagliari to chase a game they never quite held.

The rest of the first half stayed with Inter even without a second goal. M. Akanji was shown a yellow card in the 14th minute, a small interruption in an orderly away display. At half-time the score was still 0-1, Inter on the ball and Cagliari looking for a way back.

After the restart the shape did not change. Cagliari pushed for an equalizer and A. Deiola received a yellow card in the 56th minute, but the hosts could not force a save. Inter kept creating attempts without adding to the lead. Late on Kevin was booked as time ran out. Referee M. Fabbri closed a night Inter had led from early on.

Key Moments

The early strike decided the result because it was the only goal. Once Inter were ahead, Cagliari had to come forward, and they never produced a shot on target to make that pressure count.

Inter's unfinished work in attack was the other swing. Twenty-nine shots and 3.79 expected goals pointed to a more comfortable scoreline, yet the one-goal margin meant the visitors still had a result to protect until the end.

Cagliari won eight corners and found some territory from set pieces. Those situations still did not become a chance on target.

Match Statistics

The numbers matched Inter's control even as the score stayed tight. Possession finished 66 percent to 34 in the visitors' favour. Inter attempted 29 shots and put seven on target, while Cagliari had 10 shots and none on target. Expected goals read 3.79 for Inter against 0.42 for Cagliari. The hosts led the corner count, 8-6. Two yellow cards went to Cagliari and one to Inter, with no red cards shown.

What the Result Means

Inter sit fifth in Serie A with three points from one match played and a goal difference of three. Cagliari are ninth, also on three points from one game, with a goal difference of one.

See also

• Cagliari vs Inter live score
• AltBets live scores
• AltBets tips
• Match recaps