Full Breakdown
Inter Milan’s 5-3 Comeback Over Udinese Keeps Them Level on Top of Serie A
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On Monday, Inter Milan overturned a 2-0 deficit to defeat Udinese 5-3 at the San Siro. Goals came from Carlos Augusto (26’), Nicolò Barella (35’), Marcus Thuram (57’), Pio Esposito (67’) and Ange-Yoan Bonny (79’). Udinese’s early strikes were scored by James Abankwah (9’) and Jurgen Ekkelenkamp (16’), with Idrissa Gueye adding a consolation in stoppage time. The win moved Inter to 12 points from four matches, sharing the Serie A lead with Roma.
Recent Form & League Context
Inter entered the match after a 3-2 comeback win over Napoli on 5 September 2026, also from 2-0 down. Their only loss in the opening five games was a 2-1 Champions League defeat to Real Madrid on 8 September 2026. Udinese, sitting 13th, had four points after two defeats. Roma, the other joint-leaders, had also amassed 12 points, winning 2-0 at Torino and maintaining a perfect start.
Key Players and Injuries
Inter’s attack, featuring Lautaro Martínez, Marcus Thuram and Niccolò Barella, proved decisive. Mid-season signing John Stones left the field with an apparent hamstring injury shortly after the hour mark. Inter manager Cristian Chivu said he had not yet spoken with the player about his condition. Udinese’s James Abankwah celebrated his first Serie A goal, heading in the opener.
Upcoming Inter-Roma Showdown
The two joint-leaders are scheduled to meet at the Stadio Olimpico on 19 September 2026 (scheduled). The fixture will determine which side moves ahead in the top-four race. Roma’s recent 2-0 win over Torino and a 1-1 Champions League draw with Fenerbahçe on 10 September 2026 have kept them unbeaten in league play.
Official Statements & Responses
Cristian Chivu confirmed that Stones’ injury would be fully assessed before any return.
Data & Statistics
- Inter goals: 5 (August-September 2026) – scorers: Augusto, Barella, Thuram, Esposito, Bonny.
- Udinese goals: 3 – scorers: Abankwah, Ekkelenkamp, Gueye.
- Points after four matches: Inter 12, Roma 12, Como 10.
- Goal difference after the match: Inter +2, Udinese –9.
- Head-to-head (most recent meeting): Inter 5-2 win on 5 April 2026.
On-the-Ground Report
Inter’s comeback was driven by rapid transitions after the half-time break, with Thuram’s early second-half strike shifting momentum. Udinese’s early pressure was notable, but defensive lapses allowed Inter to dominate the latter stages.
What’s Next
The 19 September 2026 clash at the Stadio Olimpico will be the first head-to-head of the season between the two leaders. Both sides will aim to separate themselves in the title race, with Inter also monitoring Stones’ recovery and Udinese seeking to rebound from their fourth-place league standing.