Inter Milan vs Udinese ended with a tense 2-1 home victory for the league leaders, but head coach Simone Inzaghi acknowledged post-match that nerves and mounting injuries nearly cost them the game. While goals from Marko Arnautovic and Davide Frattesi gave Inter an early cushion, they needed key saves from goalkeeper Yann Sommer to maintain their lead in the closing stages.
First-Half Dominance, Second-Half Stress
“A splendid first half by the lads, where we deserved more than the two-goal lead,” Inzaghi told DAZN. Inter dominated the opening 45 minutes and went into halftime with confidence. But after Udinese defender Oumar Solet pulled one back, Inter appeared rattled.
“We lost lucidity,” Inzaghi admitted, crediting Udinese for their intensity. The late push by the visitors exposed Inter’s fatigue and tactical vulnerabilities, especially as key players picked up knocks.
Inzaghi Sent Off, Misses Next Match
Tensions boiled over in stoppage time when Inzaghi stormed onto the pitch to protest a decision, earning a second yellow card and subsequent dismissal.
“I made a mistake at the end. I apologised to the referee,” he said. Inzaghi’s frustration stemmed from what he saw as a clear foul on Joaquin Correa, which was ignored moments before a dangerous corner. As a result, he will miss Inter’s next Serie A match against Parma.
Injury Concerns Ahead of Coppa Italia Semi-Final
Inter’s win came at a cost. “Of our five substitutions, four were forced,” Inzaghi revealed. Both Arnautovic and Frattesi suffered knocks, while Dimarco and Darmian returned from injuries and are still regaining match fitness.
More bad news followed: Kristjan Asllani is suspended, and stars Lautaro Martinez, Mehdi Taremi, and Denzel Dumfries will miss the Coppa Italia semi-final first leg against AC Milan on Wednesday.
“Calhanoglu had played three full matches. I had to take him off too,” Inzaghi added, noting the intense schedule and player fatigue as key challenges ahead.
Looking Ahead: Inzaghi Calls for Focus and Recovery
Despite the narrow win, Inter remain at the top of Serie A, with their ambitions intact across multiple competitions.
“We will move forward hoping they (injured players) can give us a hand in the future because we will need them,” said Inzaghi. With the Club World Cup also on the horizon, managing resources will be crucial for the Nerazzurri.
Inter Milan vs Udinese Ends with Relief and Realism
While Inter Milan vs Udinese ended in celebration, it exposed underlying tension and fatigue within the squad. Inzaghi’s emotional reaction, combined with injury setbacks, paints a picture of a team under pressure—but still fighting on all fronts as the season nears its climax.
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