Inter 1-0 Udinese: Report, Ratings & Reaction as VAR Helps the Nerazzurri Claim All Three Points

Inter battled past a stubborn Udinese side on Saturday evening to claim all three points as they continue to chase Napoli in second place.

In a match largely dominated by the home side, it took until the 76th minute and a VAR awarded penalty for the Nerazzurri to break the deadlock, with Mauro Icardi cooling chipping the spot kick down the middle.

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The opening 20 minutes were dominated by Inter, in terms of possession at least, but they were unable to create any clear cut opportunities as the Udinese defence stood firm. Inevitably, the first real chance of the half did fall to the home side as Matteo Politano whipped in a corner which was met by Icardi at the near post, only for his looping header to drop just wide.

Inter's domination continued up until the half-time whistle – the home side with nearly 70% possession but failing to grab an all important goal. Udinese failed to have a single shot for the whole of the first period and in truth rarely visited the Nerazzurrihalf.

Udinese got into the game more after the break, but with 74 minutes on the clock and Inter attacking down the right, the referee blew his whistle to check a potential handball by Seko Fofana through VAR. 

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After just a quick glance at the monitor, a penalty was awarded and Icardi had the chance to bag his ninth goal of the season. Under huge pressure, Inter's talisman stepped up and dinked the ball down the middle to seal a tight win. 

Inter

Key Talking Point

Dumped out of the Champions League in midweek after failing to beat PSV at home, it was a matter of interest to see how Inter would react in front of their own fans after such disappointment.

They played well and dominated the match, but perhaps lacked the confidence in front of goal. They also didn't create as many clear cut chances as they would have liked against a struggling Udinese side who sat just about the relegation places coming into the game. 

Icardi though – as he so often does – saved the home side and sent the fans home happy after midweek's heartbreak in the Champions League.

Player Ratings

Starting XI: Handanovic (6), Vrsaljko (8*), De Vrij (6), Skriniar (7), Asamoah (6); Valero (5), Brozovic (7), Mario (6); Politano (7), Icardi (7), Balde Diao (7).

Substitutes: Martinez (6), Perisic (6), Nainggolan (N/A)

STAR MAN - Despite Icardi grabbing the winning goal, it wasSime Vrsaljko who caught the eye terrific for the home side. Despite lining up at right-back he spent most of the much attacking and consistently whipping in dangerous deliveries in a terrific display.

WORST PLAYER - Borja Valero had a difficult evening, although his side dominated the first half. The Spaniard gave the ball away a number of times and had a number of wayward shots. He was duly subbed off after 55 minutes.

Udinese

Key Talking Point

After sitting just two points above the drop zone, it was inevitable that the Zebrette would come to defend and try to nick a point. Credit to them, they defended well and nullified Inter's potent attack for periods of the game.

Unfortunately their stubborn resistance was broken through a VAR awarded penalty as Fofana handled when attempting to head the ball away. They can take heart from the way they performed and could count themselves slightly unfortunate not to grab anything from the game.

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Player Ratings

Starting XI: Musso (6), ter Avest (6), Troost-Ekong (5), Nuytinck (6); Stryger Larsen (6), Fofana (5), Behrami (7), Mandragora (6), D'Alessandro (6), Pusetto (5), de Paul (6).

Substitutes: Machis (6), Felipe (N/A)

Looking Ahead

Inter return to action in a weeks time as they travel to Chievo for another Serie A clash. I Gialloblu have been in dire form all season and are rock bottom - also the only team in the league without a victory - so Spalletti's men should fancy their chances of picking up three more points.

Udinese also play next Saturday as they host Frosinone who are second bottom in the table in an early relegation six-pointer.