Udine: Davide Frattesi’s Inter moved closer to Serie A as Udinese returned to action with a 2-1 win on Monday.
Italian midfielder Frattesi headed home a crucial goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time in Udine to keep Inter 14 points clear at the top of the table with seven games remaining in the season.
Inter looked to be level when Hakan Calhanoglu worked hard to convert a free-kick before Lazar Samardzic’s open goal for Udinese equalized nine minutes after half-time.
“I don’t think we have won yet. We have another game to play, we have to go out and win it,” Frattesi told Sky Sport.
You can’t win 4-0 every game, it’s important to win a tough game.”
AC Milan are Inter’s closest rivals and victory on Monday ensured the champions-elect could seal their 20th Scudetto in two days’ time in a highly anticipated derby against their local rivals.
Claiming the league crown with a sixth derby victory would be revenge for Calhanoglu, who has been hated by Milan supporters since he moved to the northern Italian city three years ago.
“Honestly, I don’t like to talk about the other side of where I come from,” Calhanoglu said.
“I focus on my teammates because they’re awesome … That’s what’s important.”
Simone Inzaghi’s side not only have the chance to win the Milan derby, but also beat Juventus’ 2014 record of 102 points in one season.
Samardzic’s strike brought Inter close to three goals at half-time, only to be denied by a brilliant save from Maduka Okoye.
Nigeria goalkeeper Okoye twice denied Calhanoglu’s opener with a fine long-range effort before Samardzic gave the hosts the lead.
Okoe stopped again two minutes after his side went ahead to head Lautaro Martinez’s shot wide of the goal.
Karl was disappointed again after the break when Carlos Augusto’s close range was ruled out for offside, but Okoye was penalized for a tackle on Marcus Turama shortly after, giving Calhanoglu the equaliser.
The away side dominated possession but barely threatened until extra time when Frattesi hit a killer strike.
After Lautaro Martinez’s shot was pushed onto the post by Okoye, Frattesi was on hand to force home the seventh and most important goal of the season.
