Inter Milan made a statement in the opening round, proving that last season's disappointments only made them stronger. New boss Cristian Chivu is on the right path, and the next target is Udinese.
One of Inter's lesser-known legends, Cristian Chivu, accepted the managerial role in June, after the Nerazzurri lost both the Serie A title and the Champions League final days prior. He accepted the job at the most difficult period and has clearly found a way to bring the players back together, hence the 5-0 win to start the new campaign.
Udinese are looking for their first Serie A win of the season after dropping two points against Verona in the season opener. Kosta Runjaic could be onto something with Udinese, as the team went unbeaten in its four pre-season friendlies before beating Carrarese for Coppa Italia. Almost everything will feel like an improvement for the Friulani, as they lost eight of the last 10 games in the previous campaign.
How the bookies view it: Overwhelming home advantage
The Nerazzurri's performance on Monday undoubtedly impacted the odds for this match, and bookmakers expect a similar dominant performance. You can pick Inter at 3/10, while Udinese are available at 17/2. Even the draw was priced high and is available at 17/4.
Recent head to head: Inter won three times last season
This ancient rivalry has produced countless historic spectacles, but Inter Milan have dominated in the last 10-15 years. Sunday's clash will be the 105th edition, and Inter have a significant all-time lead with 55 wins to 22. More importantly, the Nerazzurri won nine of the last 10 H2Hs, including the three meetings last season. They have also won eight times in a row at San Siro, only conceding three goals.
Players to watch: Calhanoglu-Martinez masterclass
There is so much talent in this Inter squad that you can pick any attacking player and it would not be a mistake. But we'd like to highlight Hakan Calhanoglu, who always turns up when he faces Udinese. The 31-year-old was suspended in the first round but should be back in the starting line-up and hungry for action. He could cook up an assist or even a goal at any moment, but you can also direct your attention to Lautaro Martinez and expect him to score any clear chances created by the Turkish playmaker.
Probable line-ups
Inter Milan: Sommer, Bastoni, Acerbi, Pavard, Dimarco, Mkhitaryan, Calhanoglu, Barella, Dumfries, Thuram, Martinez
Udinese: Sava, Solet, Kristensen, Bertola, Zemura, Lovtic, Karlstrom, Atta, Ehizibue, Bravo, Davis
Anything else catch the eye?
It certainly feels like Runjaic has made improvements, but we haven't seen Udinese face a title contender yet. This upcoming fixture will provide some answers and show how ready Udinese actually are for the new season. And unfortunately, we have to back Inter to win here.
This rivalry has been one-sided for years, with Inter winning nine out of 10 times. The Nerazzurri looked watertight defensively against Torino and we don't expect to see a goal from Udinese. This should be a straightforward resul,t and we envision a 2-0 or a classic 3-0 to put Inter back at the summit.
GambleAware