Lautaro Martinez scores winner as Inter Milan secure 1-0 victory at Roma in Italian league

By Can Erozden

A Lautaro Martinez-led Inter Milan beat Roma 1-0 Sunday to cling on in the Italian Serie A title race.

In the second half, Inter's Argentine forward Martinez scored the winning goal on a quick counterattack at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.

Following a corner taken by Roma, Inter midfielder Davide Frattesi tackled his opponent Nicola Zalewski to take the ball from his feet near the midfield as Roma were lacking players in the defense.

Frattesi was in a hurry to carry the ball from the right flank. At the same time, Inter pair Federico Dimarco and Martinez ran into the hosts' half for a chance. Unopposed, Frattesi passed the ball to Martinez, who was near the penalty box as the Inter forward fired a vicious strike to beat Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar on the hour mark.

Second-place Inter secured a narrow win at Roma to boost their points to 17 in the table led by Napoli, who have 19 points in eight matches.

The Naples club beat Empoli 1-0 as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was the scorer for the leaders.

Mid-table Roma have 10 points.

Inter are chased by Juventus as the Turin club collected 16 points.

Next Sunday, Inter will host Juventus in a Serie A battle at Milan's Giuseppe Meazza Stadium.