Inter players, Getty Images January 14, 2026, 11:51 p.m

Inter secured a hard-fought victory over Lecce in their Serie A Round of 16 match, beating the visitors 1-0 at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza. The only goal was scored by Francesco Pio Esposito in the 78th minute, realizing the finishing touch.

The Nerazzurri had a significant advantage throughout the game, creating several dangerous moments even before the goal was scored. Ian Falcone made several saves for Lecce, including from Nicolo Barella’s header and Thuram’s effort, and the visitors almost capitalized on the counter-attack in the 74th minute when Jamil Siebert hit the post.

Due to injuries and suspensions, Christian Kivu was forced to rotate the lineup, starting Esposito and others instead of key players.

Despite the difficulties, Inter managed to control the match and win, capitalizing on the misfire of rivals Napoli and securing the status of the Serie A winter champions.

Inter: Sommer – Akanji, Acherbi, Bastoni – Diouf (Enrique, 57), Barella (Fratezi, 57), Zelinski, Mkhitaryan (Martinez, 72), Augusto – Bonny (Esposito, 57), Tyuram (Sucic, 87)

Lecce: Falcone — Veiga, Siebert, Gabriel, Gallo — Coulibaly, Malech (Sala, 86) — Pierotti (Ndri, 82), Handelman (Kaba, 69), Sottil (Morente, 69) — Stulic

Warning: Thuram, Enrique – Veiga