Inter Milan prevailed 2-0 against Bundesliga opponents Borussia Dortmund to move into second-place in Group F on goal difference.
Argentinian international Lautaro Martinez broke the deadlock on 22 minutes with a sliding finish from close range and Antonio Candreva solidified the win in the dying stages.
Antonio Conte has overseen a significant improvement at the San Siro since taking over at the beginning of the season. Internazionale have won all but one of their opening matches in the Italian Serie A and trail league leaders Juventus by just one point.
However, Inter have struggled to translate their domestic form onto the European stage. They opened their Champions League campaign with a disappointing 1-1 draw against Slavia Prague on home turf and then lost 2-1 at the hands of FC Barcelona at the Camp Nou.
The importance of their win this evening cannot be underestimated. Had they succumbed to defeat against Die Borussen, I Nerazzurri would’ve found themselves six points adrift of the qualification places, all but ending any hopes of reaching the knockout stages.
After the win, Conte told Sky Sport Italia:
“Borussia Dortmund changed their system to five at the back, which means they were afraid of us and wanted to play by changing their approach to mirror ours.”
He also added:
“It’s tough against Borussia Dortmund, who are a very good team. It’s difficult to qualify, but we know that we’re alive and kicking.”
November’s clash against Borussia Dortmund at the Westfalenstadion will undoubtedly be among the most attractive fixtures of Match Day 4. It’s plausible to suggest that the winner of the match will ultimately go onto secure a place in the Round of 16.