Inter Milan tightened their grip on the Serie A title race with a commanding 5-2 victory over Roma at San Siro, moving nine points clear at the summit.
Back from injury for the first time since February 18, Lautaro Martínez stole the spotlight with two goals, taking his tally for the season to 23.
Both strikes were created by Marcus Thuram, while Hakan Çalhanoglu, Nicolò Barella and Thuram also got on the scoresheet for the hosts.
Inter made the perfect start, with Martínez opening the scoring inside two minutes after being set up by Thuram.
The Argentine striker was a constant threat in the opening stages, while Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar was called into action several times to deny Çalhanoglu, Alessandro Bastoni and Martínez.
Despite Inter’s early dominance, Roma found a way back into the contest before halftime. Matìas Soulè released Devyne Rensch down the flank, and his cross was headed home by Gianluca Mancini to make it 1-1.
However, Inter restored their lead in stoppage time of the first half when Çalhanoglu unleashed a stunning long-range strike from 35 yards that flew beyond Svilar.
The home side wasted little time after the restart, with Martínez netting his second of the evening in the 52nd minute after another precise assist from Thuram. Three minutes later, Thuram got his own reward by heading in from a Çalhanoglu corner.
Barella then added a fifth just after the hour mark, powering into the area before smashing past Svilar to cap a dominant display from the league leaders.
Roma did manage a late consolation when Lorenzo Pellegrini fired past Yann Sommer after good work from Donyell Malen, but it was far too little to trouble Inter.
With seven matches left to play, Inter are now firmly in control of the title race, leaving AC Milan needing a victory against Napoli on Monday to keep their fading hopes alive.
