Sanchez scores and sees red

Alexis Sanchez scored and was sent off in an eventful first Inter Milan start as his new club maintained their perfect start to the season with a 3-1 win at Sampdoria to stay top of Serie A ahead of champions Juventus, who eased past SPAL 2-0.

The Chilean deflected in Stefano Sensi’s long-range opener after 20 minutes and tapping in another Sensi cross two minutes later. However the 30-year-old was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for diving just after the break, leaving his side to play with 10 men and wobbling after Jakub Jankto pulled one back in the 55th minute.

But Roberto Gagliardini slotted in the third just after an hour to give Antonio Conte’s side a huge boost days before their trip to Barcelona in the Champions League.

Inter have a maximum 18 points from six games -- two ahead of Juve -- after winning their first six league matches for the first time since the 1966-67 season, with the pair set for a top-of-the-table clash at the San Siro next weekend.

Against SPAL, Cristiano Ronaldo notched up his third consecutive goal at home this season after 78 minutes to add to Miralem Pjanic’s opener just before the break.

“Inter? I haven’t watched them play yet this season,” said Juventus coach Maurizio Sarri. “I’ve read they’re doing well, but I had no doubts considering who their coach is.”