Inter Milan defeated Udinese Calcio after a long exchange of blows, but deservedly in the end, 3-1.
The Nerazzuri found good opportunities right from the start, but there was no quick goal. After a little over 15 minutes, Inter’s Denzel Dumfries was brought down by Walace in the penalty area, but referee Dionisi allowed play to continue.
The scene is checked by the VAR, but then Dionisi points to the point. Lukaku kicks the due penalty and converts it after failing the first attempt – which must be repeated – (20th).
Subsequently, however, Simone Inzaghi’s team lacked the necessary determination, which is why Udine also has chances. Ex-Sturm kicker Sandi Lovric finds such a thing, who tests Handanovic with a full shot at the edge of the penalty area (34th).
Shortly thereafter, Lovric does better when he finishes free in the center after a counterattack and scores to make it 1-1 at the break (43′).
Inter in round two with significantly more game shares
In the second half, the hosts have more of the game – in the meantime they have more than 60 percent possession of the ball – and create more chances that initially remain unused. Rodrigo Becao finds a big chance with a header, which he misses (62).
Then it goes back and forth for a few minutes. First, Dzeko, who is left completely alone on the left, has the chance to take the lead again (72′). Only a minute later, Udine drives a worth seeing counterattack, which Success, after a good solo, almost uses to lead the guests.
In return, the home side can then strike, Mkhitaryan netted from almost 20 meters to make it 2-1 for Inter (73 ‘).
A little later, the goalscorer has to leave the field due to injury, he is replaced by Gagliardini (84th). In the closing stages, Lautaro was initially unlucky, as he tried to get past Udine goalkeeper Silvestri from close range, but shot the ball well over the goal (88′). A little later, however, Lautaro rewarded himself for his efforts and made it 3-1 from a central position (89′).
Inter celebrated a 3-1 win, which demanded a lot from the Nerazzuri against a defensively very disciplined opponent. Inter remains the first pursuer of leaders Napoli, ahead of city rivals Milan.
