Inter Milan vs Udinese: Match Preview

After a long season of ups and downs, Inter Milan will say farewell to their first Scudetto campaign since 2010 on Sunday against Udinese. From a shaky league start, to Champions League disappointment, to a triumphant return to form, this season has been a remarkable one to say the least. Inter will be looking to put a triumphant bow on the season with a final win in front of an expected 1,000 staff, friends, and family in the stadium. A win would take the Nerazzurri over the 90 point threshold for the first time since 2007.

Photo by Marco Canoniero/LightRocket via Getty Images

Last week’s bizarre loss to Juventus, laden with questionable refereeing, may have put a temporary damper on the good vibes around the club, but not one that will have lasted too long. With a trophy ceremony drawing an expected 4,500 fans outside of the stadium, and the confirmation of financing deals that will help to secure the future of the club and key players, there is much to feel good about this weekend. For many players, it will be their first major club trophy. Of course, standing between them and that moment with the Scudetto is a very difficult to break down Udinese side, who held the eventual champions to a 0-0 draw in Udine back in January.

Reports seem to indicate that Antonio Conte will start the match with the rotated side that saw the pitch for the Sampdoria and Roma matches. Andrei Radu could get a second Inter start, though reports on the matter are conflicting. Stefano Sensi is likely to get a start in place of the suspended Marcelo Brozovic. Matteo Darmian will also be serving a suspension, meaning Achraf Hakimi and Ivan Perisic are likely to start out wide.

Photo by Antonio Balasco/KONTROLAB/LightRocket via Getty Images

It has been a relatively standard season for Udinese. They are a perennial midtable side in Serie A and are looking at a finish anywhere between 11th and 15th, depending on final matchday results. Scoring has been a major issue for Udinese, as they have the third worst goal tally in the league at 41. Only relegated sides Parma and Benevento have scored less with 39. Udinese have only won one of their last five matches, defeating Benevento 4-2 near the end of April. Their last two matches have been a heavy 5-1 defeat to Napoli and a 1-0 defeat to Sampdoria. Their form has been quite shaky, but without much to play for, it can be expected.

Two players with plenty to play for will be Rodrigo De Paul and Juan Musso, who have both been heavily linked with moves to Inter in the past year. Rumors have only intensified as the summer has gotten closer, and both players will be out to prove their worth to their possible future employer.

Previous Results

2-0 (H) - 2/2/2020

0-0 (A) - 23/1/2021

Predicted Starting XIs

Prediction: Inter 3-0 Udinese

It would be quite a shock if Inter lost the final match of the season before lifting the league title. Neither team has too much to play for, so this match will likely be no more than a formality before celebrations kick off after the final whistle. This season has been a great ride here at Serpents of Madonnina, and I am glad I have been able to share it with the readers, writers, and all fellow Interisti. Here’s to this season and many more!

Forza Inter!