Esposito’s Playmaking Lights Up Inter: A 1-0 win over Udinese that tightens the Serie A lead
17 January 2026
Match context
Inter's playmaker Francesco Esposito sets the tempo as Lautaro Martinez finishes to give Inter a 1-0 win over Udinese in the Serie A clash.
From Piotr Zielinski's through ball, Esposito touched the ball into Lautaro's path with a deft back-heel, and Lautaro kept his composure to fire past the goalkeeper.
Stats and standings
Opta says Esposito has provided three assists in Serie A this season, all of them setting Lautaro up for a goal.
Going into the match, Inter topped the table with 46 points, three ahead of Milan, while Udinese sat in tenth with 26.
Post-match notes
Inter's win tightens their grip on the top as the season nears its stretch run.
The midweek fixture showcased Inter's balance between creativity and ruthless finishing, with Zielinski's early run, Esposito's timing, and Lautaro's instinct combining to produce the decisive moment.
Udinese must quickly regroup; Inter's momentum could carry them forward.
Punchline: If brilliance came in assists, Esposito would monopolize the market.
Punchline: The only thing louder than Lautaro's finish was the crowd's 'goaaal' echoing in the stadium.
