Zielinski’s late goal secures victory in five-goal thriller – Inter Milan 3-2 Juventus match analysis

Inter Milan secured a 3-2 win over Juventus, solidifying their lead in Serie A. Piotr Zieliński scored the decisive goal in injury time. Inter controlled the game tactically, especially after Juventus’ Kalulu was red-carded. Despite Juventus briefly equalizing, Inter’s sustained pressure and attacking quality ultimately led to their victory.

INMR

February 15, 2026

3–5 minutes

Inter Milan maintained their impressive lead at the top of Serie A in their 3-2 victory over Juventus. Piotr Zielinski netted a 90th-minute winner to secure all three points for his side. Israel Schmidt de Azevedo breaks down the key tactical themes from the match.

Inter vs Juventus was largely controlled by Inter. From the start, Inter managed the game in different phases — defending with structure and counter-attacking with purpose — and after Kalulu’s red card, they increased their possession and pinned Juventus in their own half.

When attacking, Inter pushed their defensive line up towards the halfway line. Piotr Zieliński operated centrally as a midfielder but drifted wide at times to support on the flank. Luka Sučić played as a left winger, while Federico Dimarco often stepped forward alongside Marcus Thuram as a second attacker, occasionally rotating back wide. This created fluid movement between Dimarco, Sučić and Zieliński, forming a strong left-sided triangle. Nicolò Barella started alongside Zieliński but moved centrally when needed, often acting as a traditional number 10. Manuel Akanji occasionally stepped out from centre-back to support combination play, both centrally and out wide. Lautaro Martínez operated slightly to the right as a second striker, drifting wide to link play or moving centrally to shoot and create.

Juventus defended by dropping Manuel Locatelli into the back line, forming a central centre-back in a back five. The full-backs tucked in to create a compact defensive line inside the box. Ahead of them, Kenan Yildiz and Francisco Conceição dropped deeper to form a midfield four alongside Miretti and McKennie, who worked hard centrally. Jonathan David remained the highest player.

In the 17th minute, Jonathan David misjudged a header and Sučić regained possession. The ball fell to Thuram, who spun and released Luís Henrique. The Brazilian wing-back shot, the ball deflected off Cambiasso, wrong-footed Michele Di Gregorio and rolled into the net to give Inter the lead.

When defending, Inter dropped their wing-backs to form a back five. The midfield trio flattened into a compact line, shifting laterally to close spaces. Lautaro dropped deeper to help press, while Thuram stayed higher to offer an outlet.

Juventus attacked with their centre-backs near halfway. Ahead of them, Locatelli supported build-up while both full-backs pushed high. Yildiz and Conceição stayed wide, with McKennie and Miretti attacking central spaces around Jonathan David.

In the 20th minute, Kalulu crossed into the box and McKennie rose unmarked, but Yann Sommer made a strong save. Two minutes later, David set up Yildiz, who cut inside and found Conceição, but his curled effort went over.

In the 26th minute, Kalulu combined with McKennie, whose cross missed David. The confusion allowed Cambiasso to score from close range for 1–1.

Inter nearly responded in the 36th minute when Thuram backheeled to Zieliński, but Bremer cleared off the line. In the 42nd minute, Thuram headed goalwards and Di Gregorio made an outstanding save. The rebound struck the post and somehow stayed out.

In the 43rd minute, Miretti misplaced a pass. Kalulu chased back and committed a foul while already on a yellow card, reducing Juventus to ten men.

Juventus had brief momentum before the break, but the red card changed the dynamic. Inter increased control, spreading Bisseck wide and building patiently. When pressing high, Lautaro and Thuram led the line, with Sučić supporting centrally.

In the 50th minute, Cambiasso dribbled through pressure and forced a save from Sommer. Juventus created chaos in the box, but Sommer produced multiple stops to keep it level.

In the 67th minute, Hakan Çalhanoğlu struck powerfully from distance and Di Gregorio made another fine save. Moments later, McKennie led a counter but delayed his shot and the chance faded.

In the 76th minute, Dimarco crossed and Pio Esposito flicked home to restore Inter’s lead at 2–1.

Inter almost extended their advantage, but in the 83rd minute Locatelli equalised after clever movement in the box, taking advantage of poor marking.

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In the 90th minute, Zieliński received near the box and fired through traffic. With his vision blocked, Di Gregorio reacted too late as the ball found the net for 3–2.

The second half was dominated by Inter’s possession after the red card. Although Juventus showed resilience and briefly equalised, Inter’s persistence and attacking quality proved decisive. Defensive lapses nearly cost them, but their control and intensity ultimately secured the win.

With this victory, Inter strengthen their position as Serie A favourites. Juventus remain fifth, waiting on other results as the race for Champions League qualification tightens.