Lukaku scores twice as Inter claim narrow win

Sassuolo: Romelu Lukaku scored twice as Serie A title chasers Inter Milan survived a fightback to win 4-3 at Sassuolo. Antonio Conte’s Inter, who are one point behind leaders Juventus, had led 4-1 thanks to doubles from Lautaro Martinez and Lukaku - with Domenico Berardi equalising for the hosts.

Former Manchester United striker Lukaku’s first was a powerful drive and his second was a penalty.

Filip Djuricic and Jeremie Boga scored for Sassuolo to set up a tense finale.

“We did everything right in the first half and should have scored more in the second,” Lukaku told DAZN.

“Once it goes to 3-1 and 4-1, it ought to be over. The positive we take is that we got the three points, but we need to defend better than that.

“I’m feeling good but need to work even harder to help out the team for the entirety of matches. I’m happy today because the Washington: Wayne Rooney has been hailed as a “big plus” during his time at DC United, after the former England captain played his final MLS game.

Rooney, 33, who will move to Derby County in a player-coach role in January, saw his MLS career come to an end as DC suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat by Toronto FC in the playoffs.

The striker returns to England after 18 months in Washington.

“Wayne has helped us in a big way,” DC United manager Ben Olson said.

But club captain Rooney, United’s top scorer with 11 goals, could not prevent another play-off flop as DC failed to progress from the Eastern Conference semi-final for the second season running.