What unfolded wasn't even a competition. The final score resembled a tennis match and the game was completely one-sided, with Inzaghi's Inter Milan dominating every aspect and delivering a result of humiliating proportions for Lazio, especially considering the Biancocelesti were playing at home.
Before this devastating 0-6 defeat, Baroni and his team looked set for a strong finish in the top half of the standings. However, losing a head-to-head match by such a margin sent a clear and unmistakable message: the time is not yet ripe for Lazio to challenge at this level.
The match started promisingly for Lazio, who created two decent scoring opportunities early on. But as soon as Inter flexed their muscles, the match quickly slipped out of Lazio's grasp. Hakan Calhanoglou opened the scoring with a perfectly executed penalty in the 41st minute, showing imperturbable precision and composure, almost robotic in nature. Moments later, just before half-time, Inter struck again. Fede Dimarco unleashed a superb left-footed volley from Denzel Dumfries' sharp cross, doubling the Nerazzurri's lead and effectively sealing the match before the break.
The second half brought no relief for Lazio. Instead, it became a showcase of Inter's dominance. Nicolo Barella added a third in the 51st minute with a stunning goal: a volley from distance that nestled under the crossbar, leaving the keeper no chance. Lazio's resolve crumbled and within two minutes Dumfries scored the fourth goal, heading home unmarked from a cross on the left.
Lazio's absence from the match was as shocking as it was unusual. Under Baroni the team had shown promise, and few could have predicted such a dismal performance. Expectations had been for a balanced, hard-fought encounter, but what happened was Lazio's worst performance in years.
As the match progressed, it seemed likely that Inter would ease up with the score already at 0-4. Instead, Inzaghi's side continued to press mercilessly. Dimarco and Carlos Augusto combined for the fifth goal, and Marcus Thuram finished the match with a brilliant individual effort: controlling the ball in the penalty area, outsmarting the center back in front of him, and firing a shot past the goalkeeper into the far corner firing.
For Inzaghi, a former Lazio player and coach, the emphatic win was undoubtedly satisfying. However, Lazio fans were furious, not with their players, who they continued to support even at 0-6, but with Inzaghi. Many had hoped he would show restraint, perhaps making substitutions or withdrawing to spare his former club further humiliation. Social media has been abuzz with sentiments like this, although it is worth noting that Inzaghi's responsibilities now lie solely with Inter.
With this impressive victory, Inter moved to third place in the standings with 34 points, just three behind first-placed Atalanta, who maintained their lead with a win. Inter also have a game in hand as they still have to complete their postponed match against Fiorentina, which was postponed due to Edoardo Bove's situation.
The demolition of Lazio on Monday evening was a statement of intent. Inter have once again firmly established themselves as Scudetto contenders and Inzaghi made it clear his team will not shy away from the title race.
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