Inter Milan were held to a goalless draw by Udinese at the Bluenergy Stadium on January 17, 2026. Both sides created chances, but disciplined defending and a tight 3‑5‑1‑1 formation kept the scoreline level. The result leaves Inter second in Serie A, three points behind Juventus, while Udinese climb to 12th.
Match Overview
The 21st round of the 2025/26 Serie A season turned into a chess‑match rather than a goal‑fest. Inter dominated possession but struggled to break Udinese’s compact back three and high‑pressing wing‑backs. Udinese’s lone striker stayed alert for counter‑attack opportunities, while Inter’s wingers found limited space.
Key Tactical Details
- Udinese employed a 3‑5‑1‑1 system with centre‑backs Kristensen, Kabasele and Solet maintaining a high line.
- Wing‑backs Zanoli and Piotrowski pressed aggressively, squeezing the flanks.
- Inter relied on midfield dynamo Nicolò Barella to dictate tempo, while Lautaro Martínez and Federico Dimarco searched for openings.
- Both teams combined for 15 shots on target, yet neither side converted.
Tactical Analysis
Inter Milan’s Approach
Inter attempted to impose their typical possession style, pushing a higher defensive line to press Udinese. This left gaps that the visitors could exploit on the break. Inter’s best chance came from a late curling effort by Martínez that rattled the post, highlighting their difficulty in finding clear‑cut chances against a disciplined defense.
Udinese’s Defensive Setup
Udinese’s shift to a three‑centre‑back formation allowed them to absorb pressure and transition quickly. The dual‑pivot in midfield provided cover, while the wing‑backs limited Inter’s wide play. Okoye, positioned as the lone striker, threatened on counter‑attacks, exemplified by a near‑miss header that skimmed the crossbar in the 78th minute.
Implications for Serie A
Impact on Inter Milan’s Title Chase
Dropping points keeps Juventus three points clear at the summit, tightening the championship race. Inter’s coach must balance offensive ambition with defensive stability as the club approaches crucial fixtures against Napoli and AC Milan, where a single slip could jeopardize Champions League qualification hopes.
Udinese’s Position in the Table
The point lifts Udinese to 12th place, three points clear of the relegation zone with eight games remaining. The clean sheet against a top‑five opponent boosts morale and validates the defensive restructuring under manager Gabriele Cioffi.
Looking Ahead
Inter is likely to consider adding a defensive midfielder to protect the backline and reduce vulnerability to counters. Udinese may continue with the 3‑5‑1‑1 formation, fine‑tuning their transition play to turn future draws into victories. As the season progresses, both teams’ tactical adaptability will be crucial in the battle for European spots and survival.
