Inter Milan cruised to another important victory yesterday in the Serie A when they beat Udinese 3-2 in an enthralling match at the Stadio Friuli. Jose Mourinho mixed things up a little and decided to start his winter signing McDonald Mariga while under performing striker Samuel Eto’o had his position taken by in form Goran Pandev.
It took just 7 minutes for both teams to get onto the score sheet with Udinese’s Simone Pepe giving his side the lead with just 2 minutes on the clock. Inter reponded 3 minutes later when Mario Balotelli’s angled cross beat Samir Handanovic to even things out. I have to say i was expecting an Inter victory but this score line surprised me to say the least. Considering the number of injuries and suspensions Inter had, a 1-0 win was what i envisioned.
Mourinho has once again showed just why his team are the champions. The depth of the Inter squad is a marvel to behold. Even in the abscence of key players, the Nerazzurri can never be written off.
The first half was all about Inter as the blues tormented Udinese. Wesley Sneijder should have given Inter the lead in the 10th minute but his curling free-kick evaded Handanovic’s goal by just a few inches. Partnering Milito and Pandev in attack was Mourinho’s best choice as the two linked up well to set up Maicon for Inter’s second in the 21st minute.
Udinese had a few good chances of their own but Julio Ceaser was keen enough to stop Alexis Sanchez’s low lying shot. Milito got on the score sheet in stoppage time of the first half after Balotelli’s wonderful cross landed perfectly for him to head past Handanovic.
After the break Udinese threatened to score and their persistence proved to pay off when Antonio Di Natale’s free-kick came off Balotelli’s hand before hiting the post. The referee pointed to the penalty spot and Di Natale beat Ceaser to stay in pole postion for this season’s golden boot award.
Udinese continued to press and they had two clear cut chances to win the game. Juan Cuadrado missed the opportunity to set up team mate Di Natale for their 3rd as his pass eluded the Italy striker. Gokhan Inler came close in the 5th minute of stoppage time when his powerful shot hit the cross bar.
That was to be the last real chance for Udinese as Inter held on for the vital victory. Inter still remain 4 points ahead of city rivals AC Milan who beat Atalanta 3-1 at the San Siro.
Photo credit: SVT
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As I had predicted, Mou left Eto on the bench and started with Milito and Pandev in attack. The truth is that Milito and Pandev play better as a pair. Maybe Eto need more time to settle down @Inter. With Inter still involved in TIM cup and Champ Lg, there will be more than enough games for everyone. Eto will have his chance to show how good he really is again.
I hop so Norman. It will be interesting to see if Mour plays Eto’o at Stamford Bridge or whether he goes with Milito up front and Pandev playing behind him
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