Romelu Lukaku was the difference-maker for Inter Milan as they moved four points clear of rivals AC Milan at the top of the Serie A table by beating them 3-0 in the Derby della Madonnina at San Siro.
Lukaku assisted Lautaro Martinez’s opener after five minutes with a brilliant searching cross to the back post and then scored the third with a fine sole goal after his strike partner had notched his second of the game.
That goal and assist took Lukaku to 22 goal contributions – 17 goals, five assists – in as many league games this season and if Inter are to end their 11-year wait for a domestic crown, the Belgian will have played a significant part.
The victory was additionally sweet for Lukaku considering it came just 26 days after his fiery exchange with one-time Manchester United teammate Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the previous meeting between the clubs in the Coppa Italia quarter final which Inter also won.
Lukaku and Ibrahimovic went head-to-head and traded insults on that occasion, leading to teammates getting involved to separate them. Ibrahimovic taunted Lukaku, calling on the Belgian to do his “voodoo s___” in relation to comments made by Everton owner Farhad Moshiri in 2017, before insulting his mother. Ibrahimovic was sent off later on in the game.
There were no such flashpoints this time around, although Lukaku celebrated all three of his team’s goals in enthusiastic fashion, particularly after settling the contest himself.
According to Italian publication Tutto Mercato, Lukaku shouted: “Give it to me and I’ll take care of it. I f______ told you!” after scoring. It is unclear whether Lukaku’s outburst was aimed at Ibrahimovic or otherwise.
Once Lukaku’s goal had gone in the camera panned to Ibrahimovic who was applauding. The Swede may have been showing his appreciation for Lukaku’s effort or else trying to rouse himself and his teammates for the final 25 minutes of the match.
Ibrahimovic had five shots on goal without scoring and a disappointing afternoon was compounded when he was taken off 15 minutes from the end once it was apparent there would be no Milan comeback.
Inter coach Antonio Conte will hope that the win can inspire his side to consolidate their position in first place and end Juventus’ hegemony on the Serie A title.
Juve, now coached by Andrea Pirlo, are currently 11 points behind Inter albeit with two games in hand.
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