Udinese 0-1 Inter Milan: Argentina Megastar ‘Back To Old Self’ – Sets Records Alongside Italy Starlet

Story byUdinese 0-1 Inter Milan: Argentina Megastar ‘Back To Old Self’ – Sets Records Alongside Italy StarletSempreInter. comSun, January 18, 2026 at 11:55 AM UTC·2 min readtalian media were unanimous in their praise for Lautaro Martinez and Francesco Pio Esposito after Inter Milan’s 1-0 win away to Udinese, with La Gazzetta dello Sport declaring the Argentine captain “back to being Lautaro.”The Milan-based daily noted how it took only “two and a half unusual matches without scoring” to create doubt, before Lautaro restored the natural order. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAgainst Udinese, he once again became the axis around which Inter revolve. His display combined close control, intelligent shielding of the ball like a true pivot, and a clever, decisive finish worth three points. La Gazzetta highlighted the dual nature of Lautaro’s game, describing the blend of physical ferocity in ball protection and refined control at the moment of the shot. Udinese 0-1 Inter – Record-Breaking Lautaro Impresses Alongside Pio EspositoMILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 14: Francesco Pio Esposito of FC Internazionale celebrates after scoring their team’s first goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and US Lecce at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/)AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementStatistically, his performance also carried weight. Lautaro is now one of only two players this season to have scored more than three goals with both his right foot (five, including the winner in Udine) and his left (four), alongside Igor Thiago of Brentford. He is also the first player in Serie A history to be directly involved in at least 15 goals in each of the last seven seasons. The praise did not stop with the captain. Pio Esposito again impressed alongside Lautaro, completing 100% of his passes and earning further compliments from his captain after full-time. Inter no longer rely solely on the established ThuLa partnership.