Defending champions Inter Milan staged a remarkable comeback to secure a draw against leaders Roma in a thrilling Serie A encounter. The match, which took place on 19 September 2026, ended with both teams maintaining their unbeaten starts to the season after five league games. Inter Milan's Lautaro Martinez scored two goals, including a late equalizer, to seal the draw for his team.
Roma started strongly, with Manu Kone scoring in the sixth minute and adding his second goal in the 37th minute. Kone's second goal was initially ruled out for offside but was later awarded. The Frenchman became the fifth player to net two goals or more in the first half for Roma against Inter in Italian top-flight history. His goals gave Roma a 2-0 lead at halftime.
Inter Milan pushed for an equalizer and came close on the half-hour mark when Englishman Curtis Jones flicked the ball to Alessandro Bastoni, whose shot clipped the outside of the post. However, it was not until straight after halftime that Inter Milan finally scored, with Marcus Thuram slipping the ball to Martinez, who guided a left-footed finish into the bottom corner.
The visitors continued to press for an equalizer, and their efforts were finally rewarded in the 79th minute when Martinez scored his second goal. Inter Milan had hit the bar from a corner before working the ball back quickly to Martinez to claim his second goal. The draw meant Inter Milan moved to second on goal difference, while Roma remained in top spot.
The match was an emotional one, with fans from both ends paying tribute to Sandro Mazzola, the legendary Inter forward who won four Serie A titles and two European Cups with the Nerazzurri, as well as the 1968 European Championship with the national team. Inter Milan were without England's John Stones and Djed Spence due to injury.
Roma, who have only won two of their last 18 meetings against Inter Milan, were seeking to build on their perfect start to the season. However, they were unable to hold on to their lead, with Inter Milan securing a dramatic draw. Donyell Malen thought he had scored a third goal for Roma, but Inter Milan keeper Josep Martinez produced a superb save with his head from close range.
The draw was Inter Milan's third consecutive comeback from a two-goal deficit to earn points, having achieved the feat against Napoli and Udinese earlier in the season. Lautaro Martinez now has four goals in Serie A, while Manu Kone's two goals took his tally for the season to an impressive total. The result maintained the unbeaten starts to the season for both teams.
Key points
- Inter Milan came from 2-0 down to earn a dramatic draw against leaders Roma.
- Lautaro Martinez scored two goals, including a late equalizer, to seal the draw for Inter Milan.
- The draw maintained the unbeaten starts to the season for both Inter Milan and Roma.
