Lautaro Martínez’s first-half strike proved the difference as Inter secured a workmanlike 1-0 victory over stubborn Udinese on Sunday, maintaining their Serie A title charge despite facing fierce resistance from the home side’s backline.
The Argentine captain broke the deadlock in the 20th minute, converting what would be the match-winner to give the visitors an early advantage. Francesco Pio Esposito, introduced in the 67th minute, claimed the assist while contributing three key passes in an impressive cameo that earned him a 7.0 rating.
Inter dominated proceedings with 62.5% possession and generated 14 shots to Udinese’s five, but found goalkeeper Maduka Okoye in inspired form. The shot-stopper produced four crucial saves to earn a match-high 7.9 rating, keeping his side within touching distance throughout.
Oumar Solet matched Okoye’s rating with a commanding defensive display, registering five interceptions as Udinese’s backline absorbed wave after wave of Inter pressure. Nicolò Bertola (7.0) and Hassane Kamara (7.0) also impressed in a disciplined defensive effort that limited the visitors to just one goal despite their territorial dominance.
Inter’s superior quality showed in the statistics—90% pass completion compared to Udinese’s 80%, five corners to two, and five shots on target versus one. Manuel Akanji (7.3) led the defensive effort with four interceptions, while Piotr Zieliński (7.2) controlled the midfield tempo. Federico Dimarco matched Lautaro’s two key passes from the flank.
Udinese threw bodies forward late, making five substitutions in search of an equalizer, but Yann Sommer’s single save proved sufficient as Inter’s defense held firm. The three points keep the Nerazzurri’s title ambitions on track, though Udinese’s spirited resistance suggests tougher battles lie ahead.
