Inter stretched the lead at the top of Serie A to six points with a controlled 1-0 victory over Udinese, settled by a precise Lautaro Martinez penalty. The league leaders combined compact defending with measured attacking play, recording another clean sheet and strengthening the title push under Cristian Chivu.
The result continues a strong campaign, with Inter now winning 16 of 21 Serie A matches. On the five previous occasions they recorded more than 15 wins at this stage, Inter went on to take the Scudetto. Chivu’s team have also claimed eight wins from the last nine league fixtures, drawing only with Napoli.
Inter’s latest success came with another shutout, their fourth clean sheet in the last six league games. They now have 11 in Serie A
this season, more than any other side. Chivu underlined the collective effort without singling out one department, stressing how the entire structure contributes to defensive stability.
Chivu added: "Lately, the whole team has been working brilliantly in defence, with great attention and responsibility, from pressing high to maintaining the mid-block. We defend high, press with the forwards, and through their work, the pressure from behind, and the intensity and courage of our midfielders to go into duels, as well as the defenders bravery to hold a high line, we're working well. The commitment and determination of this group is incredible. "
| Inter Serie A stat | Figure |
|---|---|
| Matches played | 21 |
| Wins | 16 |
| Clean sheets | 11 |
| Wins in last 9 league games | 8 |
Martinez’s successful spot-kick against Udinese took the forward to 11 league goals this season. The striker has now contributed to 15 Serie A goals overall. Martinez is the first player to reach that level in each of the last seven campaigns, a run that started in the 2019-20 season.
The deciding goal followed neat link-up play with Pio Esposito, who earned the penalty and supplied Martinez with service throughout. Chivu could also turn to Ange-Yoan Bonny from the bench, while Marcus Thuram did not feature. The coach highlighted how depth in attack offers varied tactical choices during demanding league schedules.
He said: "I have four forwards who work well, complement each other, give everything for the group, and approach each day with focus, commitment, and responsibility. Our game also depends on what they do, and theyre doing an excellent job. "
Inter Serie A coach reaction and match details
After the final whistle, Chivu focused on the mindset that guided Inter through a tense away match. He emphasised the players’ control in key phases and their ability to manage late pressure from Udinese without losing structure or composure in either half of the pitch.
In his post-match press conference, he said: "The team put in a mature performance, reading each moment well, trying to be proactive, and even enduring Udinese's attack in the final minutes. That's all thanks to the players and the work we do each day. Theres a strong desire to be competitive and consistent with our work and ambitions. "
Gaffer pic.twitter.com/pAqVc2r7mgInter (@Inter_en) January 17, 2026
The match itself featured several key moments beyond Martinez’s winner on 20 minutes. Federico Dimarco went close early with a strike that grazed the far post, then saw a goal ruled out around the hour mark. Inter then resisted Udinese’s late attacks, preserving the narrow lead and maintaining strong Scudetto momentum in Serie A.
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