Quick Read
- Inter Milan defeated Udinese at San Siro on August 31, 2025.
- Cristian Chivu’s 3-5-2 formation proved effective again.
- Marcus Thuram and Ange-Yoan Bonny starred in Inter’s attack.
- Udinese struggled, extending their winless streak against Inter to six matches.
- Inter solidified their title ambitions with a second consecutive win.
Inter Milan continued their strong start to the 2025/26 Serie A season with a commanding performance against Udinese on Sunday, August 31, at the iconic San Siro Stadium in Milan. The Nerazzurri, under the guidance of new head coach Cristian Chivu, displayed their attacking prowess, leaving no doubt about their intent to challenge for the Serie A title this season.
Inter’s Dominance Over Udinese Continues
Inter Milan entered the game as clear favorites, boasting an impressive record against Udinese. The Nerazzurri had won their last six meetings with the Friulian side, scoring 14 goals in the process. Historically, Inter had secured 33 wins out of the 60 matches played between the two teams in Serie A, while Udinese managed only 14 victories. As noted by VAVEL, Udinese’s struggles at San Siro were evident, with seven consecutive away losses against Inter leading up to this match.
Udinese, coached by Kosta Runjaic, faced an uphill battle. Despite showing promise in their preseason and securing a 1-1 draw against Verona in their opening league match, they were unable to overcome the formidable challenge posed by Inter. The Friulian side’s last victory against Inter dated back to September 2022, further highlighting the Nerazzurri’s dominance in this fixture.
Cristian Chivu’s Tactical Brilliance
Inter’s head coach Cristian Chivu, a former Inter defender who won the treble with the club in 2010, continued to impress in his managerial role. After a resounding 5-0 victory against Torino in their season opener, Chivu opted for a 3-5-2 formation once again, demonstrating confidence in his tactical approach. Key players such as Hakan Çalhanoğlu returned to the starting lineup, providing creativity and stability in midfield.
According to SempreInter, Chivu’s decision to rely on Marcus Thuram and Ange-Yoan Bonny in attack paid dividends. Thuram, who netted twice against Torino, continued his fine form under Chivu’s system, quickly establishing himself as one of Serie A’s top scorers this season. Bonny, reunited with Chivu after their time together at Parma, also made a strong impression, showcasing his ability to thrive in the new system.
The Match Highlights
The game kicked off at 20:45 CET, with fans filling the San Siro to witness the spectacle. Inter’s attacking intent was clear from the outset, as they dominated possession and created numerous chances. Thuram opened the scoring in the first half with a clinical finish, while Çalhanoğlu added a second goal from the penalty spot, capitalizing on Udinese’s defensive errors.
Udinese struggled to find their rhythm, with their 3-5-2 formation failing to contain Inter’s relentless pressure. Despite the efforts of players like Ehizibue and Piotrowski in midfield, the Friulian side was unable to pose a significant threat to Inter’s defense, led by Stefan de Vrij and Benjamin Pavard. As reported by Newsweek, Inter’s dominance was evident throughout the match, leaving Udinese with little room to maneuver.
In the second half, Inter continued to assert their authority. Ange-Yoan Bonny added a third goal, sealing the victory and extending Inter’s winning streak to six consecutive matches against Udinese in Serie A. The Nerazzurri’s clinical performance sent a strong message to their title rivals, including Roma and Napoli, who also secured wins earlier in the weekend.
Looking Ahead
Inter’s victory over Udinese not only solidified their position as title contenders but also highlighted the impact of Cristian Chivu’s leadership. With two wins from two matches, the Nerazzurri are off to a perfect start and will look to maintain their momentum in the coming weeks.
For Udinese, the defeat underscored the challenges they face this season. With key players injured and a difficult fixture list ahead, Kosta Runjaic’s side must regroup quickly to avoid falling further behind in the standings.
Inter Milan’s emphatic win against Udinese showcased their title ambitions and the effectiveness of Cristian Chivu’s tactics. As Serie A progresses, the Nerazzurri will aim to build on this strong start, while Udinese must address their shortcomings to improve their fortunes.