Inter Milan eases past Cagliari and moves one step closer to Serie A title

REGGIO EMILIA, Italy (AP) — Marcus Thuram scored his fourth goal in three games as Inter Milan beat Cagliari 3-0 and extended its lead in Serie A to 12 points on Friday. After a poor first half in which Inter failed to turn its pressure into goals, Cristian Chivu’s men took control during a four-minute period shortly after halftime. Federico Dimarco’s superb pass left Thuram with a tap-in at the far post, then four minutes later Nicolo Barella lashed in an unstoppable shot from 15 meters out to make it 2-0. Piotr Zielinski saved the best for last with a superbly struck volley that flew into the top corner. The result put the champions-elect 12 points clear of Napoli with six games remaining. Cagliari was in 16th place, six points above the relegation zone.

Como loses again

Earlier, Como fell to a second defeat in a week when it went down at Sassuolo 2-1. Cristian Volpato and M'Bala Nzola struck in the three minutes before halftime to give Sassuolo a lead against the run of play. Argentina international Nico Paz pulled a goal back in first-half stoppage time — his third in four games — but Como could not get an equalizer in spite of dominating possession in the second half. Como’s first away loss in 2026 came after losing at home to Inter 4-3 on Monday. Although Como remained in fifth place, Juventus, two points above it, could go five points clear if it beats on Sunday. ’ side went unbeaten in nine away games dating to Dec. 15 when it went down by a single goal at Roma. Sassuolo was in ninth. \\_ AP soccer: