League leaders Inter Milan made no mistake, but coach Inzaghi saw red

Inter Milan secured a 2-1 victory over Udinese on Sunday evening, keeping their title ambitions on track in the Serie A.

The win, though hard-fought, reflected both Inter’s attacking prowess and their vulnerability when put under pressure. Despite playing without Denzel Dumfries, the Nerazzurri seemed to be heading for a straightforward win after half an hour, displaying their usual dominance in possession and control of the midfield. The absence of Dumfries was barely felt due to the brilliance of Federico Dimarco, who orchestrated much of Inter’s offensive play.

The Serie A leaders took control with two goals resulting from assists by left wing-back Federico Dimarco. The first goal came courtesy of Marko Arnautovic, who showcased his predatory instincts in the box. Dimarco’s pinpoint delivery allowed Arnautovic to slot the ball home with precision, sparking celebrations in the stands. Moments later, Dimarco was at it again, providing a delightful cross that found Davide Frattesi. The midfielder unleashed a spectacular strike that left the Udinese goalkeeper with no chance, further extending Inter’s advantage. The quality of Frattesi’s goal was undeniable, and it seemed to put the hosts in full control of the match.

Shortly after the break, Inter thought they had earned a penalty following an alleged foul by Kingsley Ehizibue on Marcus Thuram. Thuram, who had been lively throughout the match, was brought down in what appeared to be a clumsy challenge. However, the referee saw no reason to award the penalty, waving away Inter’s protests much to the frustration of Simone Inzaghi. The coach’s anger on the touchline was palpable, and his animated complaints eventually led to him receiving a booking from the official. It was a moment that seemed to briefly unsettle the Inter bench, but the players remained focused on the task at hand.

Ehizibue continued to be involved in controversial moments. Shortly after the penalty incident, he grabbed a ball that had not yet crossed the sideline, mistakenly believing it was out of play. Instead of awarding a throw-in to Udinese, the referee handed Inter a free kick, further adding to the tension. Inter’s fans roared their approval, while the Udinese bench expressed their frustration. It was just one of several decisions that seemed to go against the visitors, adding to the intensity of an already heated contest.

After an hour of dominance, Inter Milan began to ease off the pressure, seemingly content with their two-goal cushion. However, this decision to sit back and defend their lead nearly proved costly. Udinese, sensing an opportunity, began to push forward with greater urgency. Their determination paid off when Oumar Solet scored the goal that brought Udinese back into the game twenty minutes before the end. The goal was well-taken, a precise shot that beat Inter’s goalkeeper and reignited Udinese’s hopes of a comeback.

Buoyed by Solet’s goal, Udinese continued to press, launching wave after wave of attacks. One of their best chances to equalize came from former Ajax player Lorenzo Lucca, whose powerful header struck the post. The near-miss left the Udinese bench holding their heads in disbelief, knowing how close they had come to pulling level. As the clock ticked down, Inter found themselves increasingly on the back foot, struggling to regain control of the match.

Inter’s defensive line was under relentless pressure as Udinese pushed for a late offensive, throwing men forward in search of an equalizer. Despite their efforts, however, they could not find the breakthrough they needed. Inter’s defense, although shaky at times, managed to hold firm during the final minutes. Goalkeeper Yann Sommer made a crucial save in the dying moments, denying what would have been a dramatic equalizer.

The drama reached its peak in stoppage time when Inter coach Simone Inzaghi received a red card for literally stepping onto the field. Inzaghi’s frustration had been building throughout the match, particularly after the disallowed penalty and the growing pressure from Udinese’s relentless attacks. His decision to step onto the pitch to protest a call was met with immediate punishment from the referee. The dismissal only added to the chaos of the final moments, but Inter’s players remained composed despite their coach’s absence.

Inzaghi’s red card was a testament to the emotional intensity of the encounter. The Inter coach had been animated throughout the game, passionately urging his players forward and reacting strongly to perceived injustices from the officials. His frustration boiled over in stoppage time, and his red card was both a reflection of his commitment and a warning of the pressure building within the team’s camp.

Despite the chaotic end to the match, Inter managed to keep their defense tight and held on to secure the victory. The final whistle was met with relief as much as celebration from the home fans. The result was crucial in maintaining Inter’s position at the top of the Serie A table, but the manner of the win left room for improvement. Inter’s inability to maintain control for the full ninety minutes highlighted some of the vulnerabilities that opponents may look to exploit in the coming weeks.

Simone Inzaghi’s dismissal will likely draw criticism and analysis, particularly as Inter prepares for more crucial matches in their quest for the Serie A title. The passionate manager’s outburst was a rare lapse in composure, and it remains to be seen whether the incident will have any lasting impact on the team’s performance or Inzaghi’s ability to maintain discipline on the sidelines.

The match also raised questions about Inter’s ability to maintain their intensity across the entire duration of games. After taking a commanding two-goal lead, their decision to slow the pace and defend rather than push for a third goal nearly cost them. While their defense ultimately held firm, the close call against Udinese serves as a reminder that complacency could be their biggest enemy.

Nevertheless, the win was a vital one for Inter Milan, who continue to lead the Serie A table and keep their title ambitions alive. Federico Dimarco’s outstanding performance, combined with clinical finishes from Arnautovic and Frattesi, provided reasons for optimism. However, the erratic final stages of the match and Inzaghi’s emotional outburst suggest that the team still has work to do if they hope to maintain their dominance throughout the season.