MILAN, ITALY – The hallowed grounds of San Siro, usually a fortress of expectation for Inter Milan, witnessed an early-season upset that left the Nerazzurri faithful scratching their heads. Udinese, under the guidance of coach Runjaic, orchestrated a masterful 2-1 victory, with the spotlight firmly shining on a young talent whose name may soon echo far beyond his hometown of Rennes: Arthur Atta.
For a team that had just annihilated Torino 5-0 in their opening fixture, this was less a step backward and more a stumble down a small flight of stairs. The immediate aftermath sees Inter`s aspirations for an early league lead already challenged, as Juventus, Napoli, and Roma now hold a crucial three-point advantage.
A Tale of Two Halves (and Two Performances)
Inter began the match with the familiar swagger of a team in form. The opening fifteen minutes felt like a well-rehearsed symphony, culminating in a goal that seemed to perfectly encapsulate their attacking prowess. At the 17-minute mark, a dazzling sequence initiated by Lautaro Martinez, who sidestepped Kristensen with a clever feint, found Marcus Thuram. The French forward then showcased his pace and vision, linking up with Dimarco before delivering a precise pass to a surging Denzel Dumfries. The Dutch wing-back, evading the watchful eyes of Solet (reportedly on Inter`s radar), slotted home the easiest of finishes. It was 1-0, and San Siro roared.
However, the narrative quickly shifted. Just twelve minutes later, Dumfries found himself at the center of attention again, though for a less celebrated reason. A wide arm, confirmed by VAR after a brief technical hiccup with the audio, resulted in a clear penalty. Davis stepped up, calmly dispatched the spot-kick past Sommer, and Udinese had pulled level. The momentum had visibly swung.
Atta`s Artistic Intervention: A Star is Born
The stage was then set for the evening`s protagonist. In the 40th minute, Arthur Atta, the Breton “golden nugget” as he`s now being dubbed, delivered a moment of pure magic. Receiving the ball on the edge of the box, he unleashed a sublime right-footed shot that nestled into the corner of the net. Inter`s defense, specifically Bisseck, seemed to offer more an invitation than a challenge, allowing the young midfielder the space and time to execute. It was a goal worthy of a museum, and Udinese took a surprising 2-1 lead into the break.
Atta`s performance was not merely about the goal. Deployed as a left-sided attacking midfielder, he dominated the center of the park, displaying an enviable blend of sprints, solo runs, close-control dribbling, and a Zen-like composure. His commitment was evident even in the 87th minute, when he relentlessly chased down Dumfries to thwart an Inter counter-attack. Having been acquired permanently in the summer after a season of integration, Atta`s first Serie A goal was a statement piece.
Inter`s Defensive Conundrum and Second-Half Frustration
The second half saw a frustrated Inter attempting to claw their way back. Coach Chivu, seeking to inject fresh impetus, reverted to his favored 3-4-2-1 formation, with Thuram and Lautaro supporting debutant Esposito upfront. Esposito, making his Serie A debut to applause, showed glimpses of promise, nearly scoring with a header and distributing the ball effectively. His physicality could prove useful in challenging fixtures, suggesting a potential future role.
However, Udinese`s defense, marshaled effectively by Solet, held firm. Solet, having recovered from his earlier error on Inter`s goal, made three crucial clearances in the second half, dispossessing Barella and Thuram with impressive timing. This resolute defending, coupled with Inter`s inability to break through, highlighted a recurring problem for the Nerazzurri: a defense that, according to the article, has not been adequately strengthened. Bisseck, chosen over Pavard, had a night he`d rather forget, particularly in the lead-up to Atta`s goal.
Despite a frantic final quarter of an hour, even with Bonny introduced for a 4-2-4 assault, Inter could only manage “small shivers” of danger. The final whistle confirmed Udinese`s unexpected triumph and left Inter with much to ponder during the international break. The “ghosts” that have historically haunted the Nerazzurri`s defensive line seem to have made an unwelcome early appearance this season.
Early Season Lessons and Title Race Implications
This match served as a stark reminder that in Serie A, no victory is guaranteed, and no opponent should be underestimated. While it`s only the second match of the season, Inter`s performance against Udinese raises questions about their defensive depth and resilience, especially after a comprehensive victory that might have instilled a false sense of security. Udinese, on the other hand, can take immense pride in their collective effort and the emergence of a truly exciting talent in Arthur Atta.
The season is long, and the path to Scudetto glory is fraught with unexpected turns. For Inter, this defeat is a critical early lesson, one that Chivu will undoubtedly dissect with painstaking detail. For Udinese and their blossoming star Atta, it`s a statement: they are here to play, and they are capable of surprising anyone.
