Inter 3-2 Juventus provided one of the most epic evenings of the Serie A season, with Piotr Zielinski scoring on the final minute of the game to ensure a dramatic win in San Siro on February 14, 2026.
The Derby dItalia enjoyed the reputation, five goals, a red card that incited controversy and great implications in the top of the table. The 3-2 victory had not only prolonged Inter’s winning streak in the league, but also earned them eight goals in front of the top position, since the team had one game ahead of their nearest competitors.
It was a duel towards anarchy, intensity and decisive moments- just what this rivalry is supposed to be.
Early Drama Sets the Tone
Inter went ahead in strange style at the 17th minute.
Luis Henrique tried to pass the ball to Marcus Thuram but it went off Andrea Cambiaso and misdirected Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio. The ball was slipped into the near bottom corner and Di Gregorio could do nothing with it with his trailing foot.
Juventus responded quickly.
Cambiaso however made it up in the 26 th minute by equalising becoming the first in the history of Serie A to score both a goal and an own goal in the same game. It was one such moment which brought about the unpredictability of the contest.
The visitors were attacking and had intention to do so in the first half:
- Weston McKennie made Yann Sommer save his header after Pierre Kalulu crossed the ball.
- Francisco Conceicao tried to bend a shot in a close angle.
- The two teams appeared to be in a position to be controlling the show before half time.
Pierre Kalulu Second Yellow Card Sparks Controversy
The turning point of the 42 nd minute occurred.
The Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu was sent off after receiving a second yellow card, allegedly due to a small shirt tug. The ruling generated controversy at once both within San Siro and elsewhere.
According to refereeing authorities, the decision was a very serious mistake, and Juventus personalities were very emotional during the break. Luciano Spalletti, the head coach, and executive Giorgio Chiellini were caught fighting with authorities.
The decision was labeled by many Juventus fans as a robbery and neutral observers appreciated the fact that the red card had tipped the scales heavily towards Inter.
Since then, Juventus had to be put into a smaller defensive formation, preserving central areas and going on the counter-attacks even when there were only 10 players.
Second-Half Fightback and Tactical Adjustments.
Having the numerical superiority, Inter ascended further up the pitch.
With coach Cristian Chivu, the Nerazzurri continued to be wide and cross more into the box, which strained the Juventus line of defense.
The pressure paid off in the 76 th minute.
Interennial Francesco Pio Esposito took over and took the lead with a clinical tap-in by responding to the pressure and accuracy on the pass into the area.
But Juventus were not in a humour to give up.
They were resilient and organised even though they were playing with 10 men. Captain Manuel Locatelli delivered a perfect shot in the 83 rd minute and the game was tied at 2-2. It was a cool shot which seemed to have gained a precious point to the Bianconeri.
Decisive Moment by Piotr Zielinski.
The decisive blow was expected to come towards the end of the game when it appeared that the game was about to become a draw, but Piotr Zielinski scored the decisive goal.
During the 90 th minute, a low 20-yard drive by the Polish midfielder pass through the legs of Locatelli. The shot misguided Di Gregorio and got the goal, a theatrical 3-2 win.
This objective by Zielinski made him important in critical situations and his capacity to perform under pressure proved the ability of Inter.
San Siro was exploding with Inter getting three needed points towards the title.
Match Stats – Inter 3-2 Juventus
| Category | Inter | Juventus |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 3 | 2 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 1 |
| First Goal | Cambiaso (OG) 17′ | Cambiaso 26′ |
| Decisive Goal | Zielinski 90′ | — |
What This Means for Serie A
The result marked:
- The sixth win of Serie A by Inter.
- A 13 match streak of undefeated matches (12 wins, 1 draw).
- Eight points at the top of the table.
The psychological advantage is high despite the fact that they have played one more game than their competitors like AC Milan.
The side of Christian Chivu was resilient, attacking with diversity, and staying composed in critical situations. A high pressure Derby d’Italia victory in such conditions gives them increased title credentials.
To Juventus, it will hurt especially after the controversy that surrounded the dismissal of Kalulu. But they had shown character, defensive organisation in their performance with 10 men.
A Derby d’Italia to Remember
Inter 3-2 Juventus will be remembered on its drama, controversy and last-minute heroics.
Since that historic two-goal performance of Cambiaso came, right until the red card of Kalulu and the stoppage-time goal of Zielinski, the game demonstrated the volatility and the rivalry that characterize the largest competition in Serie A.
Inter play ahead momentum and dominate up front.
Juventus walk away frustrated but with the knowledge that their strength even when they lose is a strong platform to carry them throughout the rest of the campaign.
