Inter Milan secured a vital 1‑0 victory over Udinese in the 21st round of Serie A, with Argentine striker Lautaro Martínez scoring the decisive goal. The win lifted Inter to the top of the table on 49 points, tightening the title race and demonstrating the side’s ability to turn limited chances into crucial points.
Match Summary
Inter opened the game with early pressure, and Martínez capitalised on a corner rebound in the 23rd minute, firing a low finish from inside the box. Udinese struggled to create clear chances, despite midfield dynamo Mateo Holland’s attempts, while goalkeeper André Onana made several key saves. In the second half Inter added Romelu Lukaku and Edinson Cavani to the attack, but Udinese’s defence, marshalled by Emanuel Billotti, held firm. The match ended 1‑0, awarding Inter three valuable points.
Background
Heading into the fixture, Inter sat second in Serie A, two points behind Juventus, while Udinese fought to escape the relegation zone. Coach Simone Sartori’s Inter relies on midfield dominance and high pressing, whereas Udinese favours a compact defence and rapid counter‑attacks. Before the game Inter had scored 38 goals in 20 matches, compared with Udinese’s 25.
Impact of the Win
Top of the Table
With the victory, Inter moved to the Serie A summit, now leading Juventus by two points. Nineteen rounds remain, and the points gap positions Inter as a strong contender for the championship.
Offensive Confidence
Martínez’s goal marked his 16th of the season, underscoring his growing importance as Inter’s primary scorer. Fans and the club hierarchy now expect him to convert the team’s limited chances into decisive wins.
Udinese Pressure
Udinese remains entrenched near the bottom with just 23 points. Coach Ivan Challengo must revamp the tactical approach and increase attacking output to avoid a prolonged relegation battle.
Effect on Rivals
The win intensifies pressure on Juventus, who host AC Milan next. Any slip from Juventus could allow Inter to widen the gap or reclaim outright leadership, while Milan will look to exploit any vulnerability.
Technical Analysis
- Possession: Inter held 55% of the ball, completing 84% of passes, controlling the game’s tempo.
- Defence: Inter’s back line, led by Alessandro De Coco, effectively closed down Udinese’s attacks.
- Udinese Attack: Managed fewer than eight shots on target, limiting any real threat.
Conclusion
Inter’s 1‑0 win over Udinese is more than a single point; it signals the team’s capacity to secure victories in tight contests and highlights Lautaro Martínez as a pivotal offensive leader. As Inter climbs to the Serie A top, the critical question remains whether they can sustain this momentum through the season’s final stretch while rivals close in.
