Inter Fight Back From 2-0 Down Against Udinese in Eight-Goal Serie A Thriller

Inter recovered from another 2-0 deficit at home against Udinese as Cristian Chivu accepted both the attacking promise and defensive exposure of his side’s high-intensity approach. The Serie A champions have now produced 14 goals across four league matches, although they have also allowed eight, and face an early Scudetto test away to Roma before the international break.

Key takeaways

• Inter fell two goals behind at San Siro for a second successive domestic home game, following the recent comeback against Napoli.
• The Nerazzurri have scored more than any other side in Italy over the opening four fixtures, with 14 goals.
• Chivu acknowledged concerns over eight goals conceded but said the risks stem from Inter’s preferred attacking identity.
• Josep Martinez received firm backing from his coach amid scrutiny of Inter’s goalkeeper situation.
• Hakan Calhanoglu and John Stones are fitness doubts for the meeting with unbeaten Roma at the Stadio Olimpico.

Chivu accepts risks in Inter’s attacking model

Chivu felt Inter’s opening 25 minutes against Udinese lacked the required energy, allowing the visitors to exploit the hosts’ attitude and build a two-goal lead. He was encouraged, however, by the response, saying his players remained in the contest and showed they were determined not to lose.

The Inter coach believes his team’s ability to score freely remains one of its principal strengths. At the same time, he made clear that a side committing large numbers forward will inevitably leave room for opposition counter-attacks when possession is lost.

Chivu said concern over conceding is part of a coach’s job, but argued that the game’s current intensity requires teams to take such risks if they want to play aggressively. He highlighted the counter-pressing which preceded Nicolò Barella’s goal as an example of the work Inter can produce when it is executed properly.

He added that no team can be flawless and that Inter do not claim to be one. The aim, he said, is to preserve the group’s identity, values and principles while continuing to address weaknesses over a long campaign.

Goalkeeper backing and Roma selection concerns

Martinez has come under pressure after his recent performances, prompting comparisons with the criticism directed at Yann Sommer last season. Chivu rejected the suggestion that Inter have an issue in goal and insisted Martinez will be protected.

He pointed out that Sommer had previously been singled out before Martinez arrived, while Martinez is now being questioned because Ivan Provedel is also available. Chivu described Provedel as an excellent goalkeeper who will receive opportunities on merit rather than sympathy, stressing that mistakes are made by everyone, including the coach.

Inter now turn to a significant trip to Roma, with Gian Piero Gasperini’s side also maintaining a perfect record after four rounds. The match at the Stadio Olimpico comes immediately before the international break and could carry early weight in the title race.

Calhanoglu is still uncertain because of an adductor muscle problem, while Stones is another major doubt after leaving the Udinese match after around an hour. Chivu noted that the break will leave him with only three players, but said Inter must keep progressing with the group currently available.