Inter Milan delivered a roller‑coaster performance at the San Siro on September 14, 2026, overturning a two‑goal hole to beat Udinese 5-3. The victory marked the fourth occasion this season that the Nerazzurri have netted five or more goals in a Serie A match, a feat matched only by Bayern Munich across Europe’s top five leagues.
How the comeback unfolded
Udinese seized an early advantage, going 2-0 up inside the first half hour. Inter struggled to find rhythm, a situation Chivu linked to the fatigue from a midweek Champions League loss to Real Madrid. The turning point arrived just before the break when Nicolo Barella, paired with Marcus Thuram, restored parity. The second half saw a flurry of goals from eight different scorers, including Francesco Pio Esposito, Curtis Jones and Carlos Augusto, each adding to the tally as Inter pressed forward.
Offensive firepower versus defensive fragility
With 14 goals in four league games, Inter sit atop the Serie A scoring chart. Their attack, built around the pace of Thuram and the creativity of Hakan Calhanoglu (who missed the match through injury), continues to intimidate opponents. However, the defensive side has leaked eight goals in the same span, a statistic that has Chivu uneasy. John Stones, making his first start, was forced off after an hour, underscoring the squad’s injury woes.
Chivu’s philosophy: intensity and risk
Speaking to Sky Sport Italia, Chivu praised his side’s willingness to fight back, describing the performance as a showcase of the qualities that define modern football - high intensity, quick transitions and a readiness to take risks. He admitted the first 25 minutes lacked energy, but highlighted the team’s ability to react swiftly after winning the ball back, a trait he believes will be essential as the season progresses.
Squad rotation and depth
Inter rested striker Lautaro Martinez and were without the services of Calhanoglu and Djed Spence. Despite these absences, Chivu emphasized the depth of his roster, noting contributions from veterans like Stankovic and newcomers such as Bonny. The manager expressed a hint of worry about not fielding players like Sucic and Bisseck, but also relished the luxury of choice that a deep squad provides.
Looking ahead: the Roma showdown
The next test arrives on Saturday when Inter host Gian Piero Gasperini’s Roma in what Chivu dubbed a "Scudetto showdown." With six points after four rounds, the Nerazzurri will aim to tighten their defence while maintaining the attacking verve that has produced five‑goal hauls. A win could solidify their early lead, while a slip might expose the cracks that opponents are already probing.
Overall, Inter’s 5-3 triumph encapsulated the dual nature of Chivu’s side - a lethal front line capable of dramatic turnarounds, paired with a defence that still needs refinement. The manager’s candid assessment suggests that while the club’s identity remains intact, the journey to a successful title defence will demand both relentless intensity and smarter risk management.
Inter’s attacking brilliance is undeniable, but conceding eight goals in four games is a liability that cannot be ignored. Chivu’s willingness to gamble is exciting, yet the team must tighten up at the back if they truly want to dominate Serie A.
The win keeps Inter atop the table and reinforces their reputation as the league’s most potent offense. However, defensive frailties could invite pressure from rivals like Roma, who will look to exploit any lapses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Inter Milan beat Udinese 5-3 after coming from 2-0 down.
Inter have scored 14 goals in their first four league games, making them the top scorers in Serie A.
Lautaro Martinez was rested, while Hakan Calhanoglu and Djed Spence missed the match through injury.