Inter Milan stumble in thrilling Lazio draw, Seria A title hopes hang by a thread

The result left them one point behind leaders Napoli, with just one match remaining, as the Scudetto slips agonizingly out of reach.

The Nerazzurri surged ahead twice, first through Yann Bisseck's early header and later via Denzel Dumfries' strike, only for Lazio's Pedro to level the score on both occasions, his stoppage-time penalty proving a dagger to Inter's ambitions.

Napoli's simultaneous 0-0 draw at Parma offered Inter a lifeline, but their failure to capitalize has shifted the momentum. "Napoli's slip gave us a chance, and we didn't take it," said a visibly disappointed Inter assistant coach Massimiliano Farris, standing in for the suspended Simone Inzaghi, who avoided media duties post-match. The squad retreated to the dressing room for over an hour, grappling with the weight of the result.

Inzaghi, who has guided Inter to their second Champions League final in three years, had urged his players to leave "no regrets" in the title chase. "We must give everything to overtake Napoli," he said earlier in the week, emphasizing the need to stay focused despite the looming final against Paris Saint-Germain on May 31.

Yet, the Lazio draw exposed a recurring flaw: Inter's inability to close out crucial games. Milan-based outlet Gazzetta dello Sport described it as "throwing away" the title, a sentiment echoed by fans online.

The 2024-25 Serie A campaign has been a rollercoaster, with Napoli and Inter trading blows. Napoli's inconsistent form, including a 2-2 draw against Genoa the previous week, handed Inter multiple openings, but the Nerazzurri have faltered too often.

Inter's fate now hinges on their final match against Como, while Napoli face Cagliari. A Napoli stumble could still gift Inter the crown, but the odds favor Antonio Conte's side. "We know our fate isn't entirely in our hands," Inzaghi admitted after a 2-0 win over Torino, where he praised Nicola Zalewski's solo goal but stressed the need for focus.

The Champions League final offers a shot at redemption. Victory over PSG could salvage a season teetering on the edge of disappointment. "Inter have never chosen between competitions," Inzaghi said after their semi-final triumph over Barcelona. "We fight on all fronts."

For now, Inter's players and fans brace for a nerve-wracking finale, hoping their title dreams don't fade into regret.

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