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It was all doom and gloom in some circles before the Udinese clash but suddenly Inter is riding a four-game unbeaten streak following its 3-0 victory on Sunday.
The win kept the Nerazzurri within striking distance of the last Champions League spot heading into a very favourable part of their fixture list, where they should be able to gain ground on Napoli and Juventus.
I have a sneaking suspicion that Inter's win over the Zebrette is a harbinger of things to come. Walter Mazzarri's men needed three points and delivered in emphatic fashion. The decisive win in hostile territory certainly bodes well for the future.
Here are three things we learned from the vital victory:
1. Ricky Alvarez Is The Real Deal
'El Chupacabra' has terrorized opposing back lines and has been virtually unplayable this season. It's amazing what a little confidence and an extended run in the starting lineup can do for a player.
Ricky has four goals and three assists to his name and is morphing into a bona fide star before our very eyes. If his injury woes are truly behind him then the sky's the limit for the silky-smooth South American.
2. Mazzarri Is The Man To Lead Inter Back To Europe
The 52-year-old needed to get his tactics right against the Zebrette and he did just that despite having to use all of his substitutions replacing injured players. Walter Samuel, Andrea Ranocchia and Jonathan all limped off the pitch but Mazzarri didn't flinch and the squad responded in kind.
It's a far cry from former manager Andrea Stramaccioni who never really had a 'Plan B' if things didn't work out in the early going. Inter is in good hands with Mazzarri and a return to continental football looks like it's definitely on the cards.
3. Cambiasso And Palacio Are Turning Back The Years
The Argentine veterans have played a vital role in Inter's mini-unbeaten run with Palacio scoring goals for fun and Cambiasso patrolling the field with the zeal of a four-star General. The 'Divine Rat Tail' has found the back of the net four times in his last four appearances and has chipped in with three assists during that span.
'Il Cuchu' makes sure the squad doesn't lose their shape and is Mazzarri's eyes and ears on the pitch. The duo's revival is music to the ears of Inter fans who desperately want to hear the Champions League anthem next season.