Marcus Thuram brace leads Inter Milan to victory over Ajax Amsterdam

The Nerazzurri had a dominant start to the encounter, with Man of the Match Marcus Thuram missing the best chance from a tight angle in the 33rd minute before having a penalty overturned by VAR three minutes later.

Ajax got their best chance in the 40th minute after Oliver Edvardsen put Mika Godts through on goal only for Yan Sommer to make a sprawling save to deny the hosts an opener.

Inter then scored on either side of half-time as Marcus Thuram rose highest to put two Hakan Calhanoglu corner-kick's past goalkeeper Vitezslav Jaros in the 42nd and 47th minute.

The visitors were generally untroubled by a determined Ajax in the second half until substitute Kasper Dolberg headed wide in the 90th minute, with the match ending 2-0 at Johan Cruyff Arena.

"We were close, today the boy's showed maturity," said Inter manager Chivu after the match.

"We tried to take away Ajax's strengths, pressed them high, and denied them possession. And we had the courage and desire to stay in their half. The maturity shown tonight really pleases me."

Ajax Amsterdam coach John Heitinga commended his team's effort despite the loss at home.

"They've been defending one-on-one the whole match," said Heitinga.  

"And kudos to the lads. They gave it their all after halftime. It's just that you're conceding two set-pieces. I have to say we were able to neutralize a lot of balls from the wings. But against a strong team, you concede two goals. And that's a shame."