A double from Argentine striker Lautaro Martinez earned Inter Milan a 3-1 win at Cagliari on Sunday, a victory that ensured the Serie A title race will go to the final weekend for the first time since 2008.

With leaders AC Milan having beaten Atalanta 2-0 at the San Siro earlier on Sunday, Inter had to win in Sardinia to keep the title race alive, edging in front in the 25th minute through Matteo Darmian.

Martinez added a second six minutes after the break for Inter and they appeared on course for a comfortable ninth win in 10 matches in all competitions, before Charalampos Lykogiannis arrowed in a strike out of nowhere to get Cagliari back in it.

Inter suffered some nervy moments before Martinez`s quality shone through at the last, as his classy finish six minutes from time finally ended Cagliari`s hopes of a comeback.

The victory ensured Inter remained two points behind Milan going into the final round. The champions must beat Sampdoria at home on Sunday, and hope Milan lose at Sassuolo, if they are to defend the Scudetto.

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"It wasn`t easy after Milan`s win, but the team played really well against an opponent who is problematic on their own ground," coach Simone Inzaghi told DAZN.

"I congratulate my team, because this was by no means to be taken for granted, especially after playing 120 minutes on Wednesday (in the Coppa Italia final).

"Naturally, we are behind, so we need a victory and for them (Milan) to lose. It`s happened before, I won with Lazio when we were two points behind and Juventus lost to Perugia (in 2000), so it can happen again."

Inter thought they had settled their nerves in the must-win contest when Milan Skriniar bundled the ball into the net early on, only for VAR to rule the Slovakian defender had used his hand to score.

The visitors did not have to wait much longer for one to count, however, as Ivan Perisic crossed for Darmian to head home his second league goal of the season.

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Martinez almost added another on the cusp of halftime, before hammering home the second - his 20th league goal of the campaign. The Argentine became the sixth player in Inter`s history to score 20 goals in a single Serie A term before turning 25.

In cruise control, Inter stood off Lykogiannis and his strike was unstoppable, giving the home fans hope. 
But it was Martinez who had the final say, lofting his second of the match into the net.

Cagliari`s fate will also be sealed on the final day of the season. They remain in the bottom three, two points behind Salernitana in 17th. The Sardinians must beat already-relegated Venezia on the final day to have any hope of survival.

Genoa, who have spent the last 15 seasons in Serie A, were relegated on Sunday after their 3-0 loss at Napoli.

A double from Argentine striker Lautaro Martinez earned Inter Milan a 3-1 win at Cagliari on Sunday, a victory that ensured the Serie A title race will go to the final weekend for the first time since 2008.

A double from Argentine striker Lautaro Martinez earned Inter Milan a 3-1 win at Cagliari on Sunday, a victory that ensured the Serie A title race will go to the final weekend for the first time since 2008. With leaders AC Milan having beaten Atalanta 2-0 at the San Siro earlier on Sunday, Inter had to win in Sardinia to keep the title race alive, edging in front in the 25th minute through Matteo Darmian. Martinez added a second six minutes after the break for Inter and they appeared on course for a comfortable ninth win in 10 matches in all competitions, before Charalampos Lykogiannis arrowed in a strike out of nowhere to get Cagliari back in it. Inter suffered some nervy moments before Martinez`s quality shone through at the last, as his classy finish six minutes from time finally ended Cagliari`s hopes of a comeback. The victory ensured Inter remained two points behind Milan going into the final round. The champions must beat Sampdoria at home on Sunday, and hope Milan lose at Sassuolo, if they are to defend the Scudetto. Also Read: Premier League: Harry Kane penalty sends Tottenham into top four with win over Burnley "It wasn`t easy after Milan`s win, but the team played really well against an opponent who is problematic on their own ground," coach Simone Inzaghi told DAZN. "I congratulate my team, because this was by no means to be taken for granted, especially after playing 120 minutes on Wednesday (in the Coppa Italia final). "Naturally, we are behind, so we need a victory and for them (Milan) to lose. It`s happened before, I won with Lazio when we were two points behind and Juventus lost to Perugia (in 2000), so it can happen again." Inter thought they had settled their nerves in the must-win contest when Milan Skriniar bundled the ball into the net early on, only for VAR to rule the Slovakian defender had used his hand to score. The visitors did not have to wait much longer for one to count, however, as Ivan Perisic crossed for Darmian to head home his second league goal of the season. Also Read: Premier League: Manchester City lose crucial points with draw against West Ham Martinez almost added another on the cusp of halftime, before hammering home the second - his 20th league goal of the campaign. The Argentine became the sixth player in Inter`s history to score 20 goals in a single Serie A term before turning 25. In cruise control, Inter stood off Lykogiannis and his strike was unstoppable, giving the home fans hope. But it was Martinez who had the final say, lofting his second of the match into the net. Cagliari`s fate will also be sealed on the final day of the season. They remain in the bottom three, two points behind Salernitana in 17th. The Sardinians must beat already-relegated Venezia on the final day to have any hope of survival. Genoa, who have spent the last 15 seasons in Serie A, were relegated on Sunday after their 3-0 loss at Napoli.

Lautaro Martinez scores a double as Inter Milan take Serie A title race to final day with victory at Cagliari

Christian Eriksen and Achraf Hakimi scored in the second half as Inter Milan beat Crotone 2-0 to move to the brink of the Serie A title on Saturday.

Antonio Conte's side are 13 points ahead of city rivals AC Milan who reclaimed second place with a 2-0 win over 18th-placed Benevento, with four games to play.

Inter can claim their first Scudetto since 2010 on Sunday if Atalanta, a further point adrift in third, fail to win at Sassuolo.

"We are succeeding in toppling a kingdom that had lasted for nine years," said former Juventus coach Conte, who led the Turin giants to the first three of their current run of nine consecutive league titles.

"We're aware that we can do something extraordinary because Inter haven't won a Scudetto in 11 years, and we're breaking up a dynasty. The lads deserve this joy, congratulations to them.

"We're a step away from making history."

Dane Eriksen came on as a substitute in the 65th minute and scored four minutes later, firing home a shot which took a deflection off Crotone defender Lisandro Magallan, from Romelu Lukaku's lay-off.

Lukaku had a goal ruled out before Hakimi struck a second in injury time.

"It's an important goal because it moves us closer to the title, but we still haven't won it yet," said Eriksen of just his second goal this campaign.&nbsp;

"If it proves to be the decisive goal, then obviously it'll be the most important one of the season. Every goal is important, but the one that takes you to your objective is extra special.

"Today, I came on as a substitute, and when you do this the aim is to make your mark: you want to shake things up. I'm happy that I managed to do so."

<h2>- Ibrahimovic return lifts Milan -</h2>

The match in Calabria pitted the Serie A leaders against the bottom team who were relegated as a result of the loss.

Both sides had chances in the first half with Adam Ounas threatening early for the hosts who lost defender Arkadiusz Reca to injury before the break.

Lukaku headed onto the post off a Stefano Sensi corner after 23 minutes.

There was a flurry of activity in front of the Crotone goal before the break with Alessandro Bastoni sending wide after connecting with a Nicolo Barella cross.

Lautaro Martinez's low shot hit the woodwork before home goalkeeper Alex Cordaz cleared a Sensi effort.

As Inter struggled to break through Conte sent on Eriksen, Ivan Perisic and Alexis Sanchez after 65 minutes.

And the substitutions paid off with Sanchez providing a back-heel flick for Lukaku who teed up Eriksen.

Lukaku missed a chance to add to his 21 goals this campaign with a goal ruled out with seven minutes to go for Perisic's offside position.

But Barella sent Moroccan Hakimi clear to beat Cordaz with his seventh goal this season to extend Inter's unbeaten run to 18 league games, and close to a 19th league crown.

"We'll watch the (Atalanta) game in our homes, in a serene way," continued Conte.&nbsp;

"For us what happens tomorrow is relative, we don't ask anything of anyone. We don't depend on others, especially after such a championship."

In the San Siro, Milan rallied from back-to-back defeats to move up from fifth to second and keep in the Champions League chase.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic returned from injury with Hakan Calhanoglu putting the home side ahead after six minutes following good work from Alexis Saelemaekers and Franck Kessie.

Benevento goalkeeper Lorenzo Montipo got his foot to an Ibrahimovic goal-bound effort before the break, and again cleared from the Swede after the hour but Theo Hernandez was on hand to finish off the rebound.

Napoli are fourth equal on points with Juventus who drop to fifth before they play at Udinese on Sunday.

Inter could decide Juve's Champions League fate as they meet in the penultimate game in Turin in two weeks.

Christian Eriksen and Achraf Hakimi scored in the second half as Inter Milan beat Crotone 2-0 to move to the brink of the Serie A title on Saturday. Antonio Conte's side are 13 points ahead of city rivals AC Milan who reclaimed second place with a 2-0 win over 18th-placed Benevento, with four games to play.

Christian Eriksen and Achraf Hakimi scored in the second half as Inter Milan beat Crotone 2-0 to move to the brink of the Serie A title on Saturday. Antonio Conte's side are 13 points ahead of city rivals AC Milan who reclaimed second place with a 2-0 win over 18th-placed Benevento, with four games to play. Inter can claim their first Scudetto since 2010 on Sunday if Atalanta, a further point adrift in third, fail to win at Sassuolo. "We are succeeding in toppling a kingdom that had lasted for nine years," said former Juventus coach Conte, who led the Turin giants to the first three of their current run of nine consecutive league titles. "We're aware that we can do something extraordinary because Inter haven't won a Scudetto in 11 years, and we're breaking up a dynasty. The lads deserve this joy, congratulations to them. "We're a step away from making history." Dane Eriksen came on as a substitute in the 65th minute and scored four minutes later, firing home a shot which took a deflection off Crotone defender Lisandro Magallan, from Romelu Lukaku's lay-off. Lukaku had a goal ruled out before Hakimi struck a second in injury time. "It's an important goal because it moves us closer to the title, but we still haven't won it yet," said Eriksen of just his second goal this campaign. "If it proves to be the decisive goal, then obviously it'll be the most important one of the season. Every goal is important, but the one that takes you to your objective is extra special. "Today, I came on as a substitute, and when you do this the aim is to make your mark: you want to shake things up. I'm happy that I managed to do so." - Ibrahimovic return lifts Milan - The match in Calabria pitted the Serie A leaders against the bottom team who were relegated as a result of the loss. Both sides had chances in the first half with Adam Ounas threatening early for the hosts who lost defender Arkadiusz Reca to injury before the break. Lukaku headed onto the post off a Stefano Sensi corner after 23 minutes. There was a flurry of activity in front of the Crotone goal before the break with Alessandro Bastoni sending wide after connecting with a Nicolo Barella cross. Lautaro Martinez's low shot hit the woodwork before home goalkeeper Alex Cordaz cleared a Sensi effort. As Inter struggled to break through Conte sent on Eriksen, Ivan Perisic and Alexis Sanchez after 65 minutes. And the substitutions paid off with Sanchez providing a back-heel flick for Lukaku who teed up Eriksen. Lukaku missed a chance to add to his 21 goals this campaign with a goal ruled out with seven minutes to go for Perisic's offside position. But Barella sent Moroccan Hakimi clear to beat Cordaz with his seventh goal this season to extend Inter's unbeaten run to 18 league games, and close to a 19th league crown. "We'll watch the (Atalanta) game in our homes, in a serene way," continued Conte. "For us what happens tomorrow is relative, we don't ask anything of anyone. We don't depend on others, especially after such a championship." In the San Siro, Milan rallied from back-to-back defeats to move up from fifth to second and keep in the Champions League chase. Zlatan Ibrahimovic returned from injury with Hakan Calhanoglu putting the home side ahead after six minutes following good work from Alexis Saelemaekers and Franck Kessie. Benevento goalkeeper Lorenzo Montipo got his foot to an Ibrahimovic goal-bound effort before the break, and again cleared from the Swede after the hour but Theo Hernandez was on hand to finish off the rebound. Napoli are fourth equal on points with Juventus who drop to fifth before they play at Udinese on Sunday. Inter could decide Juve's Champions League fate as they meet in the penultimate game in Turin in two weeks.

Inter Milan 'toppling a kingdom' with Serie A title one step away

Juventus' hopes of winning a 10th consecutive Serie A title took another blow on Sunday with a 1-0 home loss to lowly Benevento as AC Milan closed the gap on leaders Inter Milan with a hard-fought 3-2 win at Fiorentina.

Adolfo Gaich scored the only goal in the 69th minute at Juve's Allianz Stadium following a bad pass across his own penalty area by midfielder Arthur.

Andrea Pirlo's side stay third, 10 points behind Inter whose match against Sassuolo was postponed because of a Covid-19 outbreak at the league leaders.

Second-placed Milan are four points ahead of the reigning champions after they recovered from their Europa League exit to Manchester United by cutting the deficit to Inter to six points with a 3-2 win over Fiorentina.

For Juve, who have 11 games left to play this season, it was another blow after being dumped out of the Champions League at the last 16 stage by Porto earlier this month.

"We performed poorly, in every aspect," said Pirlo.&nbsp;

"We have to continue to believe in the title. The objective does not change, it's the mindset which must."

Serie A top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo, who has netted 23 times in the league this season, drew a blank in Turin a week after reaching 770 goals to beat Pele's all-time mark of 767, with Benevento goalkeeper Lorenzo Montipo pulling off a string of fine saves.

<h2>- Zlatan hails 'important' win -</h2>

Benevento broke the deadlock following Arthur's horrendous pass across the face of goal towards Danilo, which allowed Gaich to pounce and score his second goal in five games since arriving on loan from CSKA Moscow.

Montipo denied Ronaldo twice late on as Juve pushed for a leveller, first from close range with 10 minutes to go and again in the final minute, with Danilo sending the subsequent rebound over the bar.

Benevento now sit seven points away from the drop zone in 16th.

In Florence, Zlatan Ibrahimovic returned to the starting line-up for Milan for the first time in over three weeks and scored after nine minutes following Simon Kjaer's ball over the top.

But Milan needed Brahim Diaz's 57th-minute strike and a Hakan Calhanoglu winner with quarter of an hour to go to snatch victory.

A curling Erick Pulgar free-kick had pulled Fiorentina level with Franck Ribery then putting the hosts ahead six minutes after the break.

"It was very important to win like this after the defeat against Manchester United," said Ibrahimovic, who at 39 became the oldest player to score 15 goals in a single Serie A season.&nbsp;

<h2>- Mertens century -</h2>

Atalanta bounced back after their Champions League exit to Real Madrid with a 2-0 win at Hellas Verona to consolidate fourth place, equal on points with Juventus.

Ruslan Malinovskyi scored the first from the penalty spot after a Federico Dimarco handball in the 33rd minute in Verona.

Duvan Zapata added a second before the break, after an earlier effort hit the post, the Colombian sweeping the ball past Marco Silvestri into an empty net, as Verona fell to a third successive defeat to stay ninth.

Atalanta are two points ahead of Napoli who beat Champions League rivals Roma 2-0 at the Stadio Olimpico thanks to a Dries Mertens brace.

Mertens curled in the opener from a free-kick in the 27th minute and nodded in a Matteo Politano cross seven minutes later to bring his tally to 100 Serie A goals since joining Napoli in 2013.

Roma are the only Italian side left in Europe and showed signs of fatigue after their Europa League trip to Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk on Thursday.

"Perhaps we don't have the mentality required to compete against these sort of teams," said Roma coach Paulo Fonseca, whose side have struggled for results against Serie A's top teams.&nbsp;

"In the first half the team looked to be without courage ... When we are afraid of losing, or afraid of playing, it all becomes a lot harder."

Lazio recovered from their Champions League elimination to Bayern Munich with a 1-0 win at Udinese thanks to an Adam Marusic goal.

Simone Inzaghi's side are seventh but now just one point behind their city rivals with a game in hand.

Juventus' hopes of winning a 10th consecutive Serie A title took another blow on Sunday with a 1-0 home loss to lowly Benevento as AC Milan closed the gap on leaders Inter Milan with a hard-fought 3-2 win at Fiorentina.

Juventus' hopes of winning a 10th consecutive Serie A title took another blow on Sunday with a 1-0 home loss to lowly Benevento as AC Milan closed the gap on leaders Inter Milan with a hard-fought 3-2 win at Fiorentina. Adolfo Gaich scored the only goal in the 69th minute at Juve's Allianz Stadium following a bad pass across his own penalty area by midfielder Arthur. Andrea Pirlo's side stay third, 10 points behind Inter whose match against Sassuolo was postponed because of a Covid-19 outbreak at the league leaders. Second-placed Milan are four points ahead of the reigning champions after they recovered from their Europa League exit to Manchester United by cutting the deficit to Inter to six points with a 3-2 win over Fiorentina. For Juve, who have 11 games left to play this season, it was another blow after being dumped out of the Champions League at the last 16 stage by Porto earlier this month. "We performed poorly, in every aspect," said Pirlo. "We have to continue to believe in the title. The objective does not change, it's the mindset which must." Serie A top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo, who has netted 23 times in the league this season, drew a blank in Turin a week after reaching 770 goals to beat Pele's all-time mark of 767, with Benevento goalkeeper Lorenzo Montipo pulling off a string of fine saves. - Zlatan hails 'important' win - Benevento broke the deadlock following Arthur's horrendous pass across the face of goal towards Danilo, which allowed Gaich to pounce and score his second goal in five games since arriving on loan from CSKA Moscow. Montipo denied Ronaldo twice late on as Juve pushed for a leveller, first from close range with 10 minutes to go and again in the final minute, with Danilo sending the subsequent rebound over the bar. Benevento now sit seven points away from the drop zone in 16th. In Florence, Zlatan Ibrahimovic returned to the starting line-up for Milan for the first time in over three weeks and scored after nine minutes following Simon Kjaer's ball over the top. But Milan needed Brahim Diaz's 57th-minute strike and a Hakan Calhanoglu winner with quarter of an hour to go to snatch victory. A curling Erick Pulgar free-kick had pulled Fiorentina level with Franck Ribery then putting the hosts ahead six minutes after the break. "It was very important to win like this after the defeat against Manchester United," said Ibrahimovic, who at 39 became the oldest player to score 15 goals in a single Serie A season. - Mertens century - Atalanta bounced back after their Champions League exit to Real Madrid with a 2-0 win at Hellas Verona to consolidate fourth place, equal on points with Juventus. Ruslan Malinovskyi scored the first from the penalty spot after a Federico Dimarco handball in the 33rd minute in Verona. Duvan Zapata added a second before the break, after an earlier effort hit the post, the Colombian sweeping the ball past Marco Silvestri into an empty net, as Verona fell to a third successive defeat to stay ninth. Atalanta are two points ahead of Napoli who beat Champions League rivals Roma 2-0 at the Stadio Olimpico thanks to a Dries Mertens brace. Mertens curled in the opener from a free-kick in the 27th minute and nodded in a Matteo Politano cross seven minutes later to bring his tally to 100 Serie A goals since joining Napoli in 2013. Roma are the only Italian side left in Europe and showed signs of fatigue after their Europa League trip to Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk on Thursday. "Perhaps we don't have the mentality required to compete against these sort of teams," said Roma coach Paulo Fonseca, whose side have struggled for results against Serie A's top teams. "In the first half the team looked to be without courage ... When we are afraid of losing, or afraid of playing, it all becomes a lot harder." Lazio recovered from their Champions League elimination to Bayern Munich with a 1-0 win at Udinese thanks to an Adam Marusic goal. Simone Inzaghi's side are seventh but now just one point behind their city rivals with a game in hand.

Juve's title hopes rocked as Milan keep pressure on Inter