Romelu Lukaku finally scored his first goal of 2023, converting from the spot as Inter beat Udinese 3-1 at the San Siro. While the target man had a quiet match overall, the strike could hopefully help him find his goalscoring form of old. It was not the best performance for the hosts, but the result was a much-needed win after last week’s draw with Sampdoria.
Samir Handanovic – 6
The longtime Inter man had no chance to stop Udinese’s only goal, and the visitors failed to test him otherwise.
Matteo Darmian – 4
From his position at centre-back, Darmian was clearly the weak link while replacing the outgoing Milan Skriniar. Late in the first half, he allowed Sandi Lovric a free run at the back post, and the midfielder converted easily to bring the score level. The defender’s poor performance saw him substituted at halftime.
Francesco Acerbi – 7
Udinese’s forwards lacked the pace and creativity to beat Acerbi on the dribble, and the centre-back was unsurprisingly solid in the air as well.
Alessandro Bastoni – 7
At times, Bastoni’s distribution was suspect, but, like many of his teammates, his play improved significantly in the second half.
Denzel Dumfries – 5
Facing off with the talented Destiny Udogie, Dumfries came out second best. While he did draw Inter’s first-half penalty, the wing-back was not influential on the wing and provided the backline with little support.
Federico Dimarco – 7
Like Dumfries, Dimarco was not involved enough with Inter’s attack in the first half, but he ultimately created the hosts’ second goal with an impressive cross. Also, the defender made several important tackles in the defensive third and shut down Kingsley Ehizibue on the right wing.
Nicolo Barella – 7
The midfielder had several impressive moments, especially when Inter was on the counter. However, he lacked that decisive final ball that Inter desperately needed, and, in the attacking third, he was not as impressive.
Marcelo Brozovic – 7.5
As usual, the midfielder put in a solid shift in front of the backline. Brozovic’s timely tackles cut out more than one Udinese counter, and his quick passing allowed the hosts to retain possession.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 8
After a quiet first half, Mkhitaryan improved markedly in the second. He played in several nice crosses and fired off a wicked first-time volley to put Inter in front.
Edin Dzeko – 6.5
From his position up front, Dzeko did well finding the ball and using his hold-up play to create lanes of space for his teammates. While he did not manage many shooting chances of his own, he played a critical role for the hosts.
Romelu Lukaku – 6
The Belgian was incredibly lucky after taking an atrocious penalty in the first half. After Udinese players encroached on the box early, he received a second attempt and promptly buried it. Throughout the affair, the striker’s distribution was again disappointing as he held the ball up.
189 – Romelu Lukaku has scored a goal in Serie A 189 days after his previous one (13 August 2022 against Lecce); the Belgian has scored his first home goal in the competition since 23 May 2021, just against Udinese. Found.#InterUdinese pic.twitter.com/DzZygYeVfK
— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) February 18, 2023
Substitutes
Danilo D’Ambrosio – 7
After entering the match at halftime, D’ambrosio played exceptionally well against the physical Beto. He marked the striker tightly and allowed him little space or time on the ball.
Lautaro Martinez – 8
Off the bench, Martinez created several chances for Inter and scored a late goal to confirm the result.