Club Brugge stunned Inter Milan with a thrilling 4-3 victory in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, as young forward Nicolo Tresoldi scored a hat-trick to lead the Belgian side to an impressive away win.
The 22-year-old Italian-German striker scored Brugge’s first three goals, punishing Inter’s defensive mistakes and putting the visitors in control at the San Siro.
Former Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer, who returned to his old ground in Brugge colours, made an early save to deny Lautaro Martinez, while Marcus Thuram missed another opportunity for the Italian side.
Brugge took the lead shortly before the half-hour mark after a foul by Hakan Calhanoglu on Carlos Forbs resulted in a penalty. Tresoldi calmly converted from the spot.
The forward scored his second just after the hour following a goalkeeping error, then completed his hat-trick 15 minutes from time by reacting quickest to a loose situation in the Inter defence.
“It was an unbelievable and fantastic night. I dreamt many times of these nights and this was the best dream,” Tresoldi said.
Martinez gave Inter hope shortly before half-time after a move involving Thuram and a backheel assist from Federico Dimarco. The Argentine struck again in the 81st minute to reduce the deficit to 3-2.
However, Romeo Vernant restored Brugge’s two-goal advantage in the 87th minute, exposing further weaknesses in Inter’s defence. Ange-Yoan Bonny scored a late consolation goal in the 93rd minute, but the hosts could not complete a comeback.
The defeat leaves reigning Italian champions Inter without a point after two Champions League matches, having also lost 2-1 to Real Madrid. They face Shakhtar Donetsk next week under pressure to respond.
Club Brugge, meanwhile, will host French side Lens after losing their opening match 3-2 to Aston Villa.
