Inter 2-0 Udinese: Player ratings as Joaquin Correa brace fires Nerazzurri to victory

Inter eased to victory over Udinese on Sunday afternoon, picking up a 2-0 victory at San Siro to put the pressure on Napoli and Milan at the top of the table.

The Nerazzurri started the game at a rapid pace and Nicolo Barella was presented with two chances to open the scoring, but fluffed his lines on both occasions. The Italian midfielder tried his luck once again, but found Marco Silvestri in his way.

Inter continued to push for an opener in the first half, but Udinese's rearguard stood firm thanks to some excellent goalkeeping from Silvestri, several last-ditch challenges and the odd close shave with poor finishing.

The hosts' dominance carried into the second half and their persistence was rewarded on the hour-mark when Joaquin Correa dribbled through the heart of the Udinese defence and powered a precise strike into Silvestri's near post.

Correa wasn't finished there, either. Latching onto an accurate cut-back from Denzel Dumfries, the Argentine steadied himself just inside the box and lashed an unstoppable finish into the top corner, killing the game as a contest.

Let's check out the player ratings.

INTER PLAYER RATINGS

1. Goalkeeper & defenders

Samir Handanovic (GK) - 7/10 - Got down quickly to deny Udinese an early opener. Less to do as the game progressed and Inter grew stronger.

Milan Skriniar (CB) - 7/10 - Battled with Success and occasionally lost out against the strapping forward, but stuck to the task regardless.

Andrea Ranocchia (CB) - 6/10 - Had serious issues against the physical Success. Headed over from six yards out. A rare outing, and it's not too hard to see why at times.

Alessandro Bastoni (CB) - 7/10 - Calm and composed on the left of the defence, often sweeping up to cover any loose balls in behind the backline.

2. Wing backs & midfielders

Denzel Dumfries (RWB) - 8/10 - Felt he was fouled when scrambling for a potential rebound and couldn't quite make contact with the ball. Lovely cut-back to supply Correa for his second.

Nicolo Barella (CM) - 8/10 - Blasted a vicious strike towards goal, but the ball landed on the roof of the net. Should have scored minutes later, but fired straight at the keeper. Instrumental throughout.

Marcelo Brozovic (CM) - 7/10 - Controlled the game with his usual class and style, although Udinese did a good job of pressing him in possession.

Hakan Calhanoglu (CM) - 5/10 - Just not suited for this system yet and needs to learn how to adapt in order to nail down his place in the team. So far, he's not really worthy.

Ivan Perisic (LWB) - 7/10 - Not able to escape his marker but did deliver the odd teasing cross into the penalty area. Nice little flick to free Correa for his first strike.

3. Forwards

Edin Dzeko (ST) - 6/10 - Showed his usual guile in his build-up play and feeding others in better positions. Worked hard for the team but couldn't add his name to the scoresheet.

Joaquin Correa (ST) - 8/10 - Full of energy and neat touches and almost supplied the opener for Barella, who misfired. Broke the deadlock with a great mazy run and blast. Killed the game with a stunning finish.

4. Substitutes

Arturo Vidal (CM) - 7/10

Alexis Sanchez (ST) - 7/10

Lautaro Martinez (ST) - 6/10

Stefano Sensi (CM) - 6/10

Federico Dimarco (LWB) - N/A