Internazionale remains intact and keeps title battle in Italy exciting


Sunday, May 1, 2022 at 20:00• Dominic Mostert

Internazionale did not make a mistake in the battle for the league title in Italy on Sunday evening. The team of trainer Simone Inzaghi won 1-2 against Udinese and reduced the difference with leader AC Milan to two points. Inter didn’t play great and created little danger, but in the end they held their ground. Ivan Perisic and Lautaro Martínez scored the goals for the number two in Serie A.

Stefan de Vrij had a starting spot at Inter, but Denzel Dumfries started for the first time since March 13 (1-1 against Torino) on the bench in the Serie A. Bram Nuytinck and Marvin Zeegelaar were reserve at Udinese for the entire game. Inter had to win to keep up with leaders Milan and got off to a good start. In the twelfth minute a corner from Federico Dimarco from the right wing resulted in a good header by Perisic at the near post.

Five minutes before half time, Inter doubled the margin. The visitors received a penalty after contact between former NAC Breda defender Pablo Mari and Edin Dzeko. Goalkeeper Marco Silvestri of Udinese tapped Martínez’s hard effort against the post, but the attacker headed in the rebound. The referee took a moment to confirm that Silvestri had indeed touched the ball, otherwise the goal would not have counted.

Udinese held up well on the field, but still faced a 0-2 deficit at halftime. Eighteen minutes before time, the home team found the connection. Samir Handanovic had a wonderful save on a free kick by Gerard Deulofeu, but in the rebound Destiny Udogie got the ball at Ignacio Pussetto. Pussetto brought the tension back with a shot from close range. Arturo Vidal’s 1-3 was rejected for offside, but Inter secured the victory and continue to compete for the title.