Thuram and Martinez star as Inter dismantle Roma

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.