Inter Milan laid down an early title marker on Saturday by handing out a 5-1 derby hammering to AC Milan and going it alone at the Serie A summit.
Four wins from their opening four matches have Inter leading the pack with a perfect 12 points, two ahead of their other fierce rivals Juventus who earlier beat Lazio 3-1.
Milan are third, a further point back after being taught a humiliating lesson by their local rivals.
Spurred on by the majority of a heaving and raucous San Siro crowd, Inter claimed their fifth straight derby win in all competitions thanks to a Henrikh Mkhitaryan brace, Marcus Thuram’s rocket, and two late strikes from Hakan Calhanoglu and Davide Frattesi.
Read Also: Solving global challenges require international cooperation – Shettima
Simone Inzaghi’s side claimed the points with a display that showed why they got past Milan to reach last season’s Champions League final and confirmed their status as early title favourites.
Thuram also continued his fast start in an Inter shirt, the new man was also crucial to Mkhitaryan’s fifth-minute opener.
France forward Thuram bundled past Malick Thiaw before finding Federico Dimarco whose mishit shot was guided home by the former Armenia midfielder, who almost headed in a second six minutes later.