Inter back on top with win
Milan, May 7: Lautaro Martinez scored twice on Friday as Inter Milan came back from two goals down to beat visiting Empoli 4-2 and jump to the top of the Italian league table.
Inter moved one point ahead of rivals AC Milan and have a superior goal difference but have played a game more.
AC Milan will go back on top with two rounds to go if they win at Hellas Verona on Sunday.
Empoli, who are in 14th, dominated the first halfhour with Andrea Pinamonti, who is on loan from Inter, putting the visitors ahead after just five minutes.
Albanian midfielder Kristjan Asllani added a second after 28 minutes.
Inter were level by halftime with Empoli captain Simone Romagnoli putting through his own net five minutes before the break and Martinez grabbing his first just before the whistle.
The Argentine was on target again in the 64th minute with his 19th goal of the season before former Arsenal striker Alexis Sanchez added a fourth in the dying seconds.
The 22-year-old France midfielder gave the visitors the lead from outside the penalty area three minutes before half time.
Angel Gomes danced past two defenders and curled a shot inside the far post for a 69th-minute equaliser.
Six minutes later, Tchouameni settled the match with a low 30-metre rocket that flew in off the base of the near post.
Without playing well, Monaco overtook their two
rivals for Champions League places, Rennes and Marseille.
“We’ve played sexier games!” said Monaco coach Philippe Clement.
“It was a victory of determination and team-work because we are never satisfied with a draw. We knew it would be difficult against Lille because a wounded animal is always dangerous,” he added.
Marseille, who are third on goal difference, visit
Lorient on Sunday.
Rennes, three points further back and now in a Europa League spot, have to wait until Wednesday to face local rivals and French Cup finalists Nantes.
If Monaco win their last two games, Rennes cannot catch them.
For last year’s champions Lille, the downward spiral continued with a fifth straight defeat.