Inter Milan preserved their perfect start to the Serie A season with a remarkable 5-3 comeback victory over Udinese at San Siro.
The defending champions, unbeaten in 13 league matches stretching back to last season, were expected to control the contest. Instead, Udinese stunned the home supporters by scoring twice inside the opening 16 minutes.
Unai Gomez delivered an excellent cross into the penalty area, where James Abankwah rose to head Udinese in front. It was the defender’s first goal for the club.
Inter Milan almost responded immediately, but Maduka Okoye produced two outstanding saves to keep out Marcus Thuram after the hosts created their first meaningful opening.
Udinese then doubled their advantage when Keinan Davis set up Jurgen Ekkelenkamp, who poked the ball home from close range.
Inter appeared in danger of losing control, but Carlos Augusto gave them renewed hope after 26 minutes. The defender unleashed a powerful long-range strike into the bottom corner to reduce the deficit.
The hosts completed the comeback before half-time. Nicolo Barella met the ball inside the box and fired beyond Okoye to make it 2-2, prompting a huge reaction from the San Siro crowd.
Inter continued to press after the interval and nearly moved in front when Henrikh Mkhitaryan forced Okoye into another excellent save at his near post.
However, the pressure soon told. Andy Diouf released Thuram with a precise pass on the counter-attack, and the France international finished calmly from 12 yards to put Inter ahead for the first time.
The momentum remained with Cristian Chivu’s side, who extended their lead midway through the second half. Piotr Zielinski supplied Pio Esposito, and the forward kept his composure to score from close range for his second league goal of the season.
That goal appeared to drain the belief from Kosta Runjaic’s Udinese, who were soon further behind.
Substitute Ange-Yoan Bonny saw his first attempt saved with just over 10 minutes remaining, but reacted quickly to drive the rebound into the net and effectively settle the match.
Udinese managed a late response in stoppage time when Idrissa Gueye pulled a goal back, although the effort could only serve as consolation.
The victory lifts Inter Milan into second place, behind early leaders AS Roma. Inter will meet AS Roma on Saturday in their next Serie A fixture.
Udinese remain 13th with four points from their opening four league matches. They will look to return to winning form this weekend when they host Cagliari.
Flashscore named Marcus Thuram of Inter Milan as the Man of the Match.