Udinese hand Inter their first league defeat of the season

MILAN – 16 December 2017: Serie A leaders Inter Milan suffered their first league defeat of the season when they least expected it on Saturday, going down 3-1 at home to midtable Udinese.

A second-half penalty awarded with the help of the video assistant (VAR) and converted by Rodrigo De Paul proved to be the turning point as Luciano Spalletti's side were finally beaten in their 17th game.

The referee initially signalled a goal kick but changed his mind and gave handball against Davide Santon after consulting the VAR.

It was Udinese's third league win in four games under coach Massimo Oddo who replaced Luigi Delneri last month, lifting them clear of the danger zone and up to 11th.
Inter lead with 40 points from 17 games, one ahead of Napoli who are away to Torino later on Saturday.

Udinese struck first when Kevin Lasagna scored from close range from Silvan Widmer's cross in the 14th minute but Mauro Icardi levelled one minute later, the Argentine's 17th league goal of the season.

De Paul put Udinese back in front and Inter nearly levelled again when Milan Skriniar headed against the bar. Inter also claimed a penalty when Miranda went down in the area but the referee decided it did not even merit a consultation with the VAR.

Inter were always vulnerable on the counter and Udinese settled the match when Antonin Barak scored from close range after Jakub Jankto burst down the flank and sent over a low cross.