Inter Milan scored twice in the closing stages to beat Fiorentina 2-1 at San Siro and return to the top of Serie A, extending their unbeaten start to eight matches this season with seven wins and one draw.
Inter had arrived with the division’s best attacking record, having scored 21 goals before kick-off, but Fiorentina’s defence resisted the hosts’ early pressure despite being the second-worst in the league.
Nicolo Barella produced the first meaningful attempt, curling a shot that David de Gea dealt with comfortably. Fiorentina looked organised at the back, although they offered little threat in the final third and were indebted to their Spanish goalkeeper before the half-hour mark.
De Gea first used his foot to prevent Marcus Thuram’s powerful effort from finding the net. From the resulting corner, he then made an outstanding recovery save, reaching back to keep out Pio Esposito’s header, which appeared destined for goal.
Inter increased the pressure before half-time, with De Gea again forced into action to deny Thuram with a strong diving stop. Fiorentina therefore reached the interval level despite spending long periods defending.
The pattern continued after the restart. Inter controlled possession but struggled to turn that dominance into clear chances, while Fiorentina’s defensive shape continued to frustrate them.
With 25 minutes remaining, however, the visitors took a surprise lead. Alex Jimenez had limited options when the ball reached him on the right, but after taking a touch he unleashed a fierce shot into the top corner.
Inter responded by committing more players forward, yet frustration grew as Fiorentina continued to protect their advantage and De Gea’s goal seemed increasingly difficult to breach.
Carlos Augusto struck the crossbar twice. His first effort came when he diverted Hakan Calhanoglu’s free-kick against the frame, before a flicked header from a corner clipped the bar again.
The equaliser finally arrived in the closing minutes. Thuram found space amid a crowded penalty area and rolled the ball into the bottom corner beyond De Gea.
Inter then completed the turnaround deep into stoppage time after Thuram was pulled down by Victor Valdepenas, prompting the referee to award a penalty. Piotr Zielinski made no mistake, driving the spot-kick into the top corner to secure all three points.
Fiorentina, who began the match in the bottom three, will be left to regret surrendering their lead at the home of the reigning Italian champions. They remain 18th, while Inter move top of Serie A level on points with Lazio and four points ahead of the chasing pack.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Marcus Thuram (Inter)
