Inter Milan secured a spot in the quarterfinals of the Coppa Italia with a convincing victory over Udinese, thanks to goals from Marko Arnautovic and Kristjan Asllani. The match showcased Inter’s depth and talent, even with several key players resting.
The first half saw Arnautovic break the deadlock with a well-placed shot following an assist from Mehdi Taremi. This goal marked a significant return for the Austrian forward, who had been sidelined for a period. Asllani then added a spectacular second goal just before half-time, scoring directly from a corner kick—a rarity known as an “olimpico.” This moment not only highlighted his skill but also made him part of Inter’s history, as it was the first such goal for the club since Hakan Calhanoglu achieved the feat in 2021.
Inter started the match under challenging weather conditions, but they quickly took control of the game. Udinese managed to hold their ground for about half an hour but struggled to maintain their composure as errors began to creep into their play. Ekkelenkamp had a brief moment of promise for the Bianconeri, but it was ultimately Inter’s attacking prowess that shone through.
Simone Inzaghi made significant changes to his line-up compared to their previous match against Lazio, opting for a mix of experienced players and emerging talents. Asllani, in particular, stood out as he orchestrated the midfield and provided crucial support for his teammates. His performance was characterized by precision passing and tactical awareness, allowing him to create opportunities and control the tempo of the game.
The second half continued in a similar vein, with Inter managing the game effectively after their two-goal lead. The match was briefly interrupted due to a medical emergency involving a fan, but fortunately, prompt action ensured that the individual received necessary assistance.
In addition to Arnautovic and Asllani’s impressive displays, there were notable performances from other squad members. Carlos Augusto demonstrated reliability on the wing, while Taremi contributed both defensively and offensively. However, Lautaro Martinez struggled to find his scoring touch and missed a clear opportunity to extend Inter’s lead late in the game.
The victory sets up an exciting quarter-final clash against Lazio, where Inzaghi will face his former club.
Goals: 30′ Arnautovic (I), 45’+2′ Asllani (I)
Inter (3-5-2): Martinez; Darmian (dall’88’ Aidoo), Bisseck, Bastoni (dal 63′ Dumfries); Buchanan (dal 74′ Palacios), Frattesi, Asllani (dal 63′ Calhanoglu), Zielinski, Carlos Augusto; Taremi, Arnautovic (dal 63′ Lautaro Martinez).
Udinese (3-5-2): Piana; Kabasele, Bjiol (dal 46′ Abankwah), Touré; Rui Modesto, Atta (dal 75′ Zemura), Karlstrom, Ekkelenkamp (dal 70′ Brenner), Kamara; Sanchez (dal 46′ Iker Bravo), Lucca (dal 75′ Pizarro).
