Inter’s recovery against Udinese kept Cristian Chivu’s side level with Roma at the top of the early Serie A race, but Monday’s 5-3 at San Siro also left a warning before Sunday’s meeting in the capital.
The decision
Four rounds have produced four Inter wins, yet this was not the uncomplicated evening the final score might suggest. Udinese arrived in Milan with the confidence of a side that had already won away to Inter last season, and they put the reigning champions under immediate pressure.
Oumar Abankwah gave Udinese the lead after 14 minutes, heading in Unai Gómez’s delivery. A second goal followed soon afterwards, leaving Inter two behind after their recent setback at the Bernabéu and forcing Chivu’s team to chase the match.
Inter’s response was swift. Carlos Augusto reduced the deficit in the 25th minute with a left-footed finish across goal, before Nicolò Barella levelled ten minutes later after being supplied by Marcus Thuram. By half-time, Udinese’s early advantage had disappeared.
The home side completed the turnaround in the 57th minute, when Thuram found the net. Pio Esposito added a fourth ten minutes later from Piotr Zielinski’s assist, and Bonny made it five as the contest moved towards its closing stages. Udinese scored again in the 90th minute, but there was no late doubt over the destination of the points.
Inter showed the attacking depth to repair their own difficult start, scoring five times after falling 2-0 behind. Chivu will nevertheless take note of the three goals conceded, particularly with a more demanding appointment now approaching.
Sunday’s picture
Roma have also opened the campaign with four victories from four matches. Their meeting with Inter at the Olimpico on Sunday will therefore bring together two teams still carrying a perfect record.
One of them will leave that match without a full return. For Inter, the trip to Rome offers both the chance to confirm their momentum and a test of whether the defensive lapses against Udinese can be left behind.
SEO title: Inter recover from Udinese scare before Roma test
Meta description: Inter beat Udinese 5-3 after trailing by two goals, maintaining a perfect Serie A start alongside Roma before Sunday’s Olimpico clash.
