A moment of brilliance from the captain is enough for Inter at the Bluenergy Stadium as Chivu’s side move six points clear of Milan on Matchday 21.
Inter continued their march toward a potential 21st Scudetto with a narrow but valuable 1-0 win away to Udinese, courtesy of a first-half goal from Lautaro Martínez. The Nerazzurri did just enough to secure all three points and temporarily stretch their lead over Milan to six points at the top of the table.
Chivu’s team started with authority, circulating the ball confidently and pushing Udinese back into their own half. Despite frequent visits near Okoye’s goal, Inter initially struggled to find the final touch in the attacking third.
The breakthrough arrived in the 20th minute and bore the unmistakable signature of their captain. Lautaro collected a pass from Esposito, danced past Kristensen, skipped around Karlström and finished with the outside of his foot into the far corner, leaving Okoye with no chance.
Udinese attempted to respond but lacked precision and intensity in the final third, while Inter managed the game intelligently. The visitors went into the break with a deserved lead and showed composure after halftime, controlling possession and limiting risks.
Inter thought they had doubled their advantage when Dimarco found the net in the second half, but the goal was ruled out due to an offside position by Esposito in the buildup. It proved to be the final major chance of the match, as Inter defended their slim lead with maturity until the final whistle.
While Udinese struggled to make a real impact, Inter once again demonstrated their ability to win tight matches, reinforcing their status as the team to beat in Serie A. With Milan set to play Lecce later in the round, the Nerazzurri can enjoy another week at the summit.
Match Report
Udinese 0-1 Inter
Goals:
20’ Lautaro Martínez (Inter)
Udinese (3-5-2):
Okoye; Kristensen, Kabasele (Bertola 75’), Solet; Zanoli (Ehizibue 75’), Piotrowski (Miller 45’), Karlström, Ekkelenkamp (Bayo 84’), Kamara; Atta (Gueye 75’), Davis.
Coach: Runjaic
Inter (3-5-2):
Sommer; Bisseck, Akanji, Carlos Augusto (Acerbi 77’); Luis Henrique, Barella, Zielinski (Sucić 88’), Mkhitaryan (Frattesi 78’), Dimarco; Lautaro Martínez (de Vrij 88’), Esposito (Bonny 68’).
Coach: Chivu
Referee: Di Bello
Yellow cards: Carlos Augusto (Inter)
Red cards: None
