Inter Milan (3-5-2): Sommer, Akanji, Acerbi, Bastoni, Diouf (subbed for Henrique), Barella (subbed for Frattesi), Zielinski, Mkhitaryan (subbed for Martinez), Augusto, Bonny (subbed for Esposito), Thuram (subbed for Sucic)

Bench: Calligaris, Taho, De Vrij, Bisseck, Dimarco, Darmian, Cocchi, Berenbruch, Bovo

Goals: Esposito 78’

Lecce starting XI (4-3-3): Falcone, Veiga, Siebert, Gabriel, Gallo, Gandelman (subbed for Kaba), Coulibaly, Maleh (subbed for Sala), Pierotti (subbed for N’Dri), Stulic, Sottil (subbed for Tete Morente)

Bench: Fruchtl, Samoa, Ndaba, Sala, Perez, Helgason, Jean, Kouassi, Gorter, Marchwinski, Ngom

In a match that rarely burst into life, the Nerazzurri had to wait until the final quarter-hour before a decisive moment finally broke the deadlock thanks to a strike from substitute Francesco Pio Esposito.

The win becomes all the more valuable after champions Napoli drew 0-0 with Parma.

From the outset, Inter pressed for an early goal but found themselves frustrated by a resilient Lecce defence and inspired goalkeeping from Wladimiro Falcone.

Despite dominating possession and territory throughout the first half, the hosts created few clear-cut chances; Ange-Yoan Bonny looked lively early on and forced Falcone into a smart save, but Inter’s finishing lacked precision in the final third.

There was late drama in the first half when Inter thought they had been awarded a penalty, only for VAR to rule that Lecce defender Danilo Veiga had played the ball legitimately.

The breakthrough finally came in the 78th minute after a tactical shift from Inter manager Cristian Chivu. With Lautaro Martínez introduced from the bench to add extra firepower, a spell of pressure forced a spilled effort from Falcone. Esposito was alert and the quickest to react as he smashed home the rebound.

The win lifts Inter six points clear at the top of the Serie A table, taking full advantage of Napoli’s earlier draw and consolidating their position in the title race.