Cagliari 0-2 Inter Milan, Serie A 2025-26: Lautaro Martínez Scores On Return As Esposito Strikes Late

Inter Milan claimed a 2-0 victory over Cagliari in Serie A with captain Lautaro Martínez marking his return from injury by heading home Alessandro Bastoni’s cross in the ninth minute. Back after missing the Champions League clash with Ajax, the Argentine gave Cristian Chivu’s side the perfect start, though they struggled to find a second goal despite dominating possession. Marcus Thuram went close before half-time but fired over, and it was substitute Pio Esposito who eventually sealed the win with an 82nd-minute strike to keep Inter’s unbeaten run intact.

Photo Webdesk

Updated on: 28 September 2025 3:37 pm

Italy soccer Serie A 2025-26 Cagliari Calcio vs Inter Milan_1

Serie A 2025-26: Cagliari Calcio vs Inter Milan | Photo: Gianluca Zuddas/LaPresse via AP

Inter's Francesco Esposito celebrates after scoring the goal during the Serie A soccer match between Cagliari Calcio and Inter Milan at the Unipol Domus in Cagliari, Italy.

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Italy soccer Serie A 2025-26 Cagliari Calcio vs Inter Milan_Andrea Belotti

Serie A 2025-26: Cagliari Calcio vs Inter Milan | Photo: Gianluca Zuddas/LaPresse via AP

Cagliari's Andrea Belotti, center, is helped following an injury during the Serie A soccer match between Cagliari Calcio and Inter Milan at the Unipol Domus in Cagliari, Italy.

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Serie A 2025-26: Cagliari Calcio vs Inter Milan | Photo: Gianluca Zuddas/LaPresse via AP

Cagliari's Andrea Belotti, center, is helped following an injury during the Serie A soccer match between Cagliari Calcio and Inter Milan at the Unipol Domus in Cagliari, Italy.

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Serie A 2025-26: Cagliari Calcio vs Inter Milan | Photo: Gianluca Zuddas/LaPresse via AP

Cagliari's Andrea Belotti, bottom, gets injured as Inter goalkeeper Josep Martínez grabs the ball during the Serie A soccer match between Cagliari Calcio and Inter Milan at the Unipol Domus in Cagliari, Italy.

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Italy soccer Serie A 2025-26 Cagliari Calcio vs Inter Milan_Lautaro Javier Martinez

Serie A 2025-26: Cagliari Calcio vs Inter Milan | Photo: Gianluca Zuddas/LaPresse via AP

Inter's Lautaro Javier Martinez, center, celebrates scoring during the Serie A soccer match between Cagliari Calcio and Inter at the Unipol Domus in Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy.

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Italy soccer Serie A 2025-26 Cagliari Calcio vs Inter Milan_Lautaro Martinez

Serie A 2025-26: Cagliari Calcio vs Inter Milan | Photo: Gianluca Zuddas/LaPresse via AP

Inter's Lautaro Javier Martinez celebrates scoring during the Serie A soccer match between Cagliari Calcio and Inter at the Unipol Domus in Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy.