Inter kept their Scudetto hopes alive with a 2-1 win over Udinese at the Stadio Friuli. Goals from Ivan Perisic and Lautaro Martinez saw Simone Inzaghi’s side take a 2-0 lead in the first half. Udinese did manage to pull one back through substitute Ignacio Pussetto but Inter managed to hold on to their lead and grab the three points.
Starting XIs: Inter Make Four Changes, Udinese make two changes
Inter made a few changes from their defeat to Bologna with Samir Handanovic back between the sticks while Matteo Darmian came in for Denzel Dumfries. Roberto Gagliardini started in midfield in place of Hakan Calhanoglu while Edin Dzeko was back in the XI at the expense of Joaquin Correa. Udinese made only a couple of changes from their victory in Florence with Nehuen Perez replacing Bram Nuytinck and Roberto Pereyra starting in place of Jean-Victor Makengo.
Perisic and Lautaro Put Inter 2-0 Up
Inter were in dire need of a win and started the match on the front foot from the very beginning. They were often troubling the opposition backline and it was not long befor ethey got their reward. Inter opened the scoring after Ivan Perisic headed in from Federico Dimarco’s corner. Moments later, Walace took a shot from distance but Samir Handanovic made the save to deny him.
The Nerazzurri were keen on doubling their lead and ha da glorious chance of doing so when Pablo Mari made a foul in the penalty area. Up stepped Martinez and the Argentine’s shot deflected from the post and the goalkeeper towards him and he headed it into an empty net to double his team’s lead.
Pussetto Nets a Consolation Goal for Udinese
Inter were keen on extending their lead but the Udinese backline looked rigid. The hosts had an attempt on goal through Walace but he could not find the target. Gabriele Cioffi’s side found the back of the net thanks to Pussetto who came on as a substitute.
Inter brought on a few fresh legs as the match reached its final 15 minutes. They could not find the net but were able to prevent the opposition from posing a threat going forward. Inter managed to hold on to their lead and secured three crucial points in a must-win match. Of course, the reigning champions will have to rely heavily on Milan dropping points if they are to defend their title.
Nonetheless, Inzaghi will be glad with the win as Inter have a few key matches coming up along with the Coppa Italia final. Inter remain second in the Scudetto standings while Udinese are 12th.
What’s Next for Inter and Udinese
Inter host Empoli this coming Friday and will look to salvage another victory while hoping that Milan drop points in their match. Udinese have an away fixture against Sassuolo who were thrashed in their previous game against Napoli.
MATCH SCORECARD
May 1, 2022 – Serie A 2021-2022 Round 35
UDINESE – INTER 1-2
SCORERS: 12′ Perisic (I), 39′ Martinez (I), 72′ Pussetto (U)
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UDINESE (3-5-2): Silvestri; Becao, Pablo Mari, Perez; Molina (73′ Soppy), Arslan (46′ Samardzic), Walace, Pereyra (79′ Jajalo), Udogie; Success (72′ Pussetto), Deulofeu (Padelli, Gasparini, Zeegelaar, Nuytinck, Ballarini, Benkovic, Nestorovski) Coach: Cioffi |
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INTER (3-5-2): Handanovic; Skriniar, De Vrij, Dimarco (77′ D’Ambrosio); Darmian, Barella (90′ Vecino), Brozovic, Gagliardini (74′ Vidal), Perisic; Lautaro Martinez (74′ Sanchez), Dzeko (74′ Correa) (Radu, Cordaz, Ranocchia, Dumfries, Gosens, Caicedo) Coach: S. Inzaghi |
NOTES: Yellow Cards: Pablo Mari, Pereyra (U), Vecino (I); Added Time: 1st Half 3′ 2nd Half 5′