Edin Dzeko scored twice as Inter signed off for the mid-season break with three crucial points at top-six rivals Atalanta.
Two Edin Dzeko goals helped Inter move clear of Atalanta and into Serie A’s top form with a 3-2 win at Bergamo going into the World Cup break.
Inter pulled ahead after an Ademolo Lookman penalty on Sunday, but Džeko scored either side of half-time to turn the game back in the visitors’ favour.
Dzeko’s second effort benefited from a rebound from Joakim Maehle and Atalanta helped the Nerazzurri again when Jose Luis Palomino headed home for the third time through his own net.
Although Palomino later scored at the right end, it was too little, too late as Inter opened up a three-point gap on Atalanta, on points with second-placed Lazio ahead of the rest of the day’s action.
Atalanta started the better of the two sides as Duvan Zapata saw a couple of early chances blocked before Stefano de Vrije’s outstretched leg caught him for a penalty which Lookman converted cleanly.
The goal took Inter off the hook, putting them on the front foot and he was rewarded with Dzeko’s finish after Lautaro Martinez headed the ball into his path.
Atalanta had hoped to take the game back into the game after the break, but instead contributed to their own downfall when Dzek and Maehle’s combination sent Inter ahead through Federico Dimarco’s cross.
Palomino then glanced Inter’s corner past goalkeeper Juan Musso, meaning his own response – a diving header with 13 minutes to play – was not enough to earn Atalanta a result.
