UDINE: Inter Milan took another step towards the Serie A title as a last-gasp goal from Davide Frattesi secured a 2-1 come-from-behind win at struggling Udinese on Monday.

Five minutes into added time, Lautaro Martinez unleashed a low shot that Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye managed to tip onto the post but Italy midfielder Frattesi pounced to slot home the rebound.

Udinese had stunned the visitors with a soft goal by Lazar Samardzic before the break but Inter were soon level when Hakan Calhanoglu converted a penalty 10 minutes into the second half.

Runaway leaders Inter are 14 points clear of second-placed AC Milan, boasting 82 points with seven rounds remaining.

“We absolutely don’t think we’ve won it yet. We have other matches to play and we need to go out and get it,” said Frattesi to Sky Sport. “I’m really happy, it’s a really big win towards we need to do. You can’t win every match 4-0, it’s important that you also manage to win the tough matches.”

Monday’s win ensured that the champions-elect could seal their 20th Scudetto in a hotly-anticipated derby with their local rivals Milan in a fortnight’s time.

Claiming the league crown with a sixth straight derby win would be some revenge for Calhanoglu who is detested by Milan supporters after switching sides of the northern Italian city three years ago.

“In all honesty I don’t like talking about the other side from where I came,” said Calhanoglu. “I respect them and I have a good relationship with the players. What happened in my first year here is history. I’m concentrated on my teammates because they’re fantastic... That’s what matters.”

For relegation-threatened Udinese, the late goal was like a dagger to the heart of their hard-working defence with the side in 15th place with 28 points, two points above the drop zone.

“How the game ended really hurts,” Samardzic said. “The point would have mattered a lot but we must look forward with our heads held high and do better in our coming games.”

Udinese’s defeat after a valiant defensive effort brought sympathy from Inter manager Simone Inzaghi.

“I would like to congratulate Udinese, they played a great match and losing like this is annoying. But I think they can be saved with their organisation,” Inzaghi told Sky Sports Italia.

Inzaghi emphasised that his side needed to stay focused on winning a 20th Scudetto and a coveted second star, which is awarded for each 10 titles and is almost within reach.

“We respected the opponent but we put our heart into, also driven by our fans. We believed and never gave up,” he added. “We have achieved 26 victories in 31 games. A great run. Now we have to stay clear. There is great harmony, everyone helps each other. Eight points to go.”

Published in Dawn, April 10th, 2024