Inter 1-1 Atalanta: Serie A 2025-26 match report

The Stadio Giuseppe Meazza played host to a tactical stalemate on Saturday as Inter and Atalanta shared the points in a 1-1 draw. In a match defined by high-intensity pressing and disciplined defensive structures, both Cristian Chivu and Raffaele Palladino saw their respective game plans yield periods of dominance, though neither side could find the breakthrough required to secure all three points.

The opening and the breakthrough

From the opening whistle, the tactical contrast between Chivu’s 3-5-2 and Palladino’s 3-4-2-1 was evident. Inter sought to control the central channels through their midfield trio, while Atalanta looked to utilize the width of the pitch to stretch the hosts' backline. The physical nature of the contest was established early, with Petar Sučić and Sead Kolašinac both entering the referee’s book in the 21st minute following a series of robust challenges.

Inter found their rhythm midway through the first half. In the 26th minute, the deadlock was broken through a well-constructed attacking sequence. Nicolò Barella, operating with his characteristic vision, provided the decisive pass to Francesco Esposito, who finished clinically to put the home side in front. The goal forced Atalanta to commit more bodies forward, but Inter’s defensive unit, anchored by Stefan de Vrij, remained organized, limiting the visitors' opportunities to test the goalkeeper for the remainder of the half.

Tactical adjustments and the late equalizer

The second half saw both managers turn to their benches early in an attempt to shift the momentum. Chivu introduced Petar Sučić for Henrikh Mkhitaryan immediately after the restart, while Palladino responded by injecting fresh legs into his attacking line, bringing on Lazar Samardžić and Gianluca Scamacca.

As the hour mark approached, the game became increasingly fragmented. Carlos Augusto received a caution in the 59th minute, and both coaches utilized a flurry of substitutions in the 65th minute to address fatigue and tactical imbalance. Inter looked to manage the game, but Atalanta’s persistence eventually paid dividends.

Despite the defensive reinforcements brought on by Chivu—including Manuel Akanji for Stefan de Vrij in the 80th minute—Atalanta found a way through the Inter rearguard. In the 82nd minute, Nikola Krstović capitalized on a lapse in concentration to level the score. The final ten minutes were marked by a frantic search for a winner, but the defensive discipline on both sides held firm. Charles De Ketelaere was cautioned in the fifth minute of stoppage time, shortly before the final whistle confirmed the share of the spoils.

Looking ahead

The result leaves both teams reflecting on missed opportunities in a tightly contested Serie A campaign. For Inter, the dropped points represent a hurdle in their pursuit of consistency, while Atalanta will take confidence from their resilience in a hostile environment, having successfully clawed back a result against a direct rival.