Inter Milan cut Napoli's lead back to 15 with win over Udinese

Lautaro Martinez has scored six times in Serie A for Inter since late April

SERIE A Inter Milan cut Napoli's lead back to 15 with win over Udinese

Faruq Ibrahim 23:02 - 18.02.2023

Inter Milan were ruthless against Udinese as they moved three points clear in second place.

Inter Milan enjoyed a dominant performance against Udinese but did not have it all their way as the visitors threatened in parts, but the hosts would not be denied as they picked up a 3-0 win.

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Inter Milan hosted Udinese as they attempted to further cement a second-place finish, with Napoli looking like the runaway leaders. Simone Inzaghi's men were ruthless in punishing the visitors' profligacy, taking all maximum points with a convincing scoreline.

Inter went ahead in the 20th minute of the game from the penalty spot before Udinese equalised in the 43rd minute on a Sandi Lovric strike. The Nerrazurri went ahead again in the 73rd minute from a Henrikh Mkhitaryan strike.

Lautaro Martinez sealed the win for Inter Milan in a dominant display
Lautaro Martinez sealed the win for Inter Milan in a dominant display

Lautaro would seal the victory for the host in the 89th minute of the goal from a Danilo D’Ambrosio lobbed through-ball.

The victory put Inter Milan three points clear as the second-best team in the league ahead of rivals AC Milan, and back to 15 points behind leaders Napoli.

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How it happened

A rash tackle in the box from Udinese players saw VAR award a penalty. Lukaku stepped up to take it and fired to the right side of the goal, but Marco Silvestri guessed right, saving the attempt. Udinese were not in the clear, however, as VAR found that some players encroached the penalty area while the spot-kick was being taken. 

Lukaku fired Inter ahead
Lukaku fired Inter ahead

The referee ruled that the attempt was to be retaken, and Lukaku made no mistake this time, firing to the same side of the goal, but angling it more, beating an outstretched Silvestri who guessed right again.

The visitors avoided going into the break with a deficit, pulling one back when Roberto Pereyra set up Sandi Lovric who in turn fired the ball into the roof of the net. Inter dominated the second-half for a good portion of it without managing to score against a resilient Udinese defence. They broke through finally from a counter-attack attack with Mhkitaryan finishing off a brilliant team move with a spectacular strike.

Udinese managed to pull one back
Udinese managed to pull one back

Lautaro was put through on goal late in the game but he overcooked an attempted lob over the goalkeeper, instead finishing over the bar. Udinese’s adventure for an equaliser meant opportunities did not come only once for Lutaro who was put through on goal again. The stocky Argentine held off the last defender and fired past Silvestri.

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