InterInter Milan secured a crucial 3-2 victory against Udinese, returning to winning ways after two matches without a win. Davide Frattesi opened the scoring just 42 seconds into the game, while Lautaro Martínez shone with a brace, scoring in stoppage time of the first half and just after the break.
Inter Milan returned to winning ways in Serie A this past Saturday, securing a crucial 3-2 victory against Udinese after a period of struggle that saw them go two matches without a win.
This result was vital for the defending champions, who had faced criticism following a 0-0 draw against Monza and a disappointing 1-2 defeat at home to their fierce city rivals, AC Milan.
The match against Udinese, held at the Dacia Arena, provided the perfect opportunity for Inter to bounce back, and they did so in style. It was a game full of intensity and drama, with both teams fighting hard for points in a competitive Serie A campaign. The "Nerazzurri" were determined to get back on track, and their urgency was evident from the very start.
Inter got off to a flying start, with Italian midfielder Davide Frattesi giving them the lead in spectacular fashion just 42 seconds into the match. It was one of the fastest goals in Serie A this season, catching Udinese off guard as Frattesi capitalized on a defensive lapse to put his team ahead. This early goal set the tone for a match that would feature moments of high drama and individual brilliance.
Despite the early setback, Udinese fought back valiantly. The home team, known for their resilience, gradually grew into the game and began creating chances of their own. Their efforts paid off in the 35th minute when Belgian defender Christian Kabasele leveled the score, making it 1-1. Kabasele rose highest in the box to head home a well-delivered cross, giving Udinese hope of pulling off a shock result against the reigning champions.
Inter, however, were not content with a draw and pushed forward relentlessly. The pressure finally paid off in the closing moments of the first half, when Argentine striker Lautaro Martínez put Inter back in the lead with a crucial goal in stoppage time (45+3). Martínez, who has been in excellent form this season, showed his predatory instincts once again by pouncing on a loose ball in the box to slot it past the Udinese goalkeeper. His goal came at a crucial time, just before the halftime whistle, and gave Inter the momentum heading into the second half.
Barely two minutes after the restart, Martínez struck again, further extending Inter's lead. In the 47th minute, he finished off a quick counter-attack with a clinical strike, making it 3-1. His brace not only demonstrated his exceptional goal-scoring ability but also underlined his importance to the team as their main attacking threat. Martínez’s ability to rise to the occasion in crucial moments has been a key factor in Inter’s success over the past few seasons.
With a two-goal cushion, Inter seemed in control of the match, but Udinese were not ready to give up. The home side continued to press forward in search of a way back into the game. Their persistence paid off in the 83rd minute when Italian striker Lorenzo Lucca pulled one back for Udinese, reducing the deficit to 3-2. Lucca’s goal gave the hosts a glimmer of hope as they pushed for a late equalizer, but Inter’s defense, led by Milan Skriniar and Alessandro Bastoni, held firm to secure the victory.
The win was a much-needed morale boost for Inter, who had faced criticism following their recent performances. It also temporarily lifted them to third place in the Serie A standings with 11 points. Inter are now level on points with Torino, who occupy first place with a game in hand, and their city rivals AC Milan, who are second. The victory also allowed them to pull one point ahead of Napoli, who also have a game in hand. It’s a tightly contested race at the top of the Serie A table, with several teams vying for the title this season.
Lautaro Martínez’s performance was the standout of the match. The Argentine forward has been instrumental in Inter’s campaign this season, consistently delivering goals and assists when his team needs them most. His two goals against Udinese brought his tally to an impressive eight goals in six matches, further solidifying his reputation as one of Serie A’s top strikers.
Inter’s win over Udinese not only helped them regain confidence after a difficult period but also served as a reminder of their title credentials. With the squad’s depth and talent, combined with the leadership of coach Simone Inzaghi, they remain strong contenders for the Scudetto this season. However, with Torino, Milan, and Napoli all close on points, the race for the Serie A title promises to be one of the most exciting in recent years.
Udinese, despite the defeat, can take positives from their performance. They fought hard against one of the strongest teams in Italy and showed resilience throughout the match. Currently sitting in fifth place with 10 points, they remain well-positioned in the top half of the table and will look to build on their strong start to the season.
As the Serie A season progresses, Inter’s ability to maintain their form and consistency will be key in their pursuit of back-to-back titles. Their win over Udinese may prove to be a turning point as they look to gather momentum in the coming weeks. With Lautaro Martínez leading the line and a talented squad behind him, Inter are well-equipped to challenge for the top spot once again.
