Inter jumped into second place as a first-half burst helped them brush aside a poor Roma, missing several players through injuries and suspension. "Inter are stronger than us in normal conditions. In non-normal conditions, they are much stronger than us," home coach Jose Mourinho said. "Last season, they were 29 points ahead of Roma. Today, with injuries and suspended players, it was very, very difficult."
Mourinho started four centre-backs in a makeshift back five that Inter cut through with ease early on. But the opening goal came in bizarre circumstances, as Hakan Calhanoglu's 15th-minute corner curled directly in at Roma goalkeeper Rui Patricio's near post. The Turkey midfielder turned provider nine minutes later, as his pass was swept into the net by Edin Dzeko against his former club. The Bosnian has scored 11 goals for Inter since leaving Roma in the close season.
The three points were all but secured in the 39th minute as wing-back Denzel Dumfries ended his wait for a first Inter goal by scoring with a diving header. Roma almost scored a consolation goal with eight minutes remaining, but Nicolo Zaniolo's powerful drive flew into the side netting, despite at first glance appearing to have nestled in the top corner, so much so that the Stadio Olimpico scoreboard was changed to 3-1.
The capital city club remain in fifth place, but now nine points behind Atalanta in the race to qualify for next season's Champions League.
Atalanta ran out 3-2 victors over injury-hit Napoli in a thrilling match. Ruslan Malinovskyi opened the scoring for Napoli before Piotr Zielinski equalised. Dries Mertens extended the lead at the Diego Maradona Stadium before Atalanta roared back with goals from Merih Demiral and Remo Freuler to seal a dramatic win.