Lazio Challenges Inter for Top Spot

Lazio capitalized on Roma’s stumble, which ended in a goalless draw against host Como, to share top spot with Inter after their 3-1 victory over reduced-man Monza in the sixth round of the Italian league last Monday, simultaneously securing the best start in the club’s history. Milan missed an opportunity to close in on the leaders with a 1-1 draw against host Sassuolo, while Cagliari also drew 1-1 with Juventus.

Lazio maintained its unbeaten record, matching Inter’s tally of 16 points, separated only by goal difference. The Nerazzurri secured their fifth win in six matches. Goals from Portugal’s Nuno Tavares (3rd minute), Denmark’s Gustav Isaksen (23rd), and Andrea Pinamonti (88th) secured the win for Lazio, managed by Gennaro Gattuso. Georgia’s Saba Jigidze scored Monza’s consolation goal in the 43rd minute, despite Lorenzo Luccia’s red card in the 35th.

In the other match, the capital’s other side, Roma, entertained hopes of staying within one point of Inter, who beat Parma 2-0 on Saturday. However, Roma remained two points behind both Inter and Lazio (16 vs. 14 points), while Como moved up to 11 points. This marked Roma’s third draw in their last four matches across all competitions. The point may have been acceptable for manager Gian Piero Gasperini’s side, as they played with ten men from the 53rd minute following a straight red card for Dutch striker Donny van de Beek after a harsh challenge on Brazilian player Caiky.

Milan once again dropped points, drawing 1-1 with host Sassuolo. After the Lombard club took the lead through French midfielder Adrien Rabiot, the hosts equalized via Dutch forward Cas Odenthal (68th minute). Manager Ruben Amorim’s team could have exploited Roma’s slip to move into third place but remained fourth with 12 points. Cagliari also failed to climb to third, settling for a 1-1 draw with Juventus.

Cagliari, enjoying an excellent start to the season, moved up to fourth place, overtaking Milan on 13 points, one point ahead of third-placed Roma. Juventus advanced to sixth place with 11 points. Bologna secured their first win from six attempts by defeating host Lecce 2-1.