Thuram and Martinez star as Inter dismantle Roma 5-2

MILAN, April 5 : Inter Milan delivered a ruthless attacking masterclass to dismantle AS Roma 5-2 at home on Sunday, tightening their grip on the Serie A title as Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez spearheaded the rout.

The victory gave Inter a nine-point cushion at the top of the table with 72 points as they await Monday’s clash between second-placed AC Milan and third-placed Napoli in Naples, with only seven rounds of the season remaining following that fixture. Roma sit sixth with 54 points.

Inter took a 59-second lead when Thuram squared for Martinez to fire home, and though Gianluca Mancini’s header briefly drew Roma level, Hakan Calhanoglu restored the advantage for the hosts in first-half stoppage time with a long-distance strike.

Thuram and Martinez combined again early in the second half, with the Frenchman threading a pass for Martinez to sweep in his second before Thuram headed home a corner minutes later. Nicolo Barella added a fifth for the hosts just after the hour mark, while Lorenzo Pellegrini pulled one back for the visitors.

"We needed to get out there with the right attitude, because Roma are a very strong team, who play man for man. We are happy, Thuram made the difference, as he usually does," Martinez told DAZN.

MARTINEZ RETURNS

Inter captain Martinez marked his return from a muscle injury with a goal on his first league appearance since February as the hosts made a fast start.

Thuram broke down the right inside the opening minute and squared for Martinez, who slipped away from his marker to guide a first-time finish into the roof of the net.

“It’s true I have a special bond with Lauti, (Martinez) he is our captain and sets the example in the most difficult moments. He did that in the first minute today and