Inter recovered from a two-goal deficit to defeat Udinese 5-3 on Monday, preserving their flawless Serie A record alongside Roma, who earned a 2-0 victory at Torino ahead of Saturday’s meeting between the joint leaders. Both clubs have collected 12 points from four games and sit level at the summit before facing each other at the Stadio Olimpico. Como occupy third place with 10 points following a 2-1 success against Parma.
Udinese shocked Inter by scoring twice inside the opening 16 minutes. James Abankwah was left unmarked to head in after nine minutes, while Jurgen Ekkelenkamp doubled the away side’s advantage with a close-range strike seven minutes later. Carlos Augusto began Inter’s comeback with a powerful effort from distance that found the bottom corner, and Nicolò Barella restored parity 10 minutes before the break.
The defending champions moved ahead in the 59th minute when Marcus Thuram converted from inside the penalty area after Andy Diouf delivered a cutback from the byline. Francesco Esposito scored Inter’s fourth before Ange-Yoan Bonny extended the lead to 5-2 with 11 minutes left. Idrissa Gueye reduced the deficit during added time, although his goal was merely a consolation for Udinese.
Inter were handed an injury worry shortly after the hour mark when John Stones left the field with what appeared to be a hamstring problem. The England central defender was making his first start for the club after arriving on a free transfer during the summer.
Inter head coach Cristian Chivu said Stones would require a thorough medical examination before the seriousness of the injury could be established. Chivu explained that he had not yet spoken with the defender but believed Stones had felt discomfort in a flexor muscle and would probably undergo tests.
Roma maintained their perfect start with a fourth consecutive victory as Donyell Malen and Niccolò Pisilli scored at Torino. Malen opened the scoring five minutes before half-time, capitalising after Paulo Dybala intercepted an inaccurate pass from goalkeeper Lucas Perri. Pisilli sealed the result in added time, finishing from a tight angle after Gianluca Mancini prevented the ball from crossing the byline.
Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini praised the partnership between Malen and Dybala, describing them as gifted individuals whose qualities complement one another. He added that their strong combination play regularly creates scoring opportunities.
Como built on their victorious Champions League debut against RB Leipzig by overcoming Parma 2-1 at home. Jacobo Ramón and Kaiki Bruno found the net for Cesc Fàbregas’s team. The coach called it a significant result, saying it had given him a clearer idea of the side’s future potential.
In Spain, Real Betis came from behind to secure a 2-1 away victory against Villarreal, climbing to third place in La Liga while leaving the hosts in the relegation zone. Gerard Moreno put Villarreal ahead, but goals from Cucho Hernández and Natan earned Betis all three points and moved them level with Real Madrid.
Moreno admitted that circumstances were currently working against Villarreal and that opponents were taking full advantage of their mistakes. He urged the players to remain united, raise their standards and control the anxiety that emerges when they fall behind, stressing that they must now operate as a cohesive team more than ever.
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