Forget Martinez, 100% Inter Milan Ace Who Could Leave Was The Real Hero Vs Udinese

Lautaro Martinez’s strike secured Inter Milan a 1-0 win over Udinese, sending them six points clear at the top.

Francesco Pio Esposito Near-Perfect In Inter Milan Victory

With second-placed AC Milan not in action until Sunday, Cristian Chivu’s pace-setters increased their advantage after Martinez netted his 11th goal of the season in the 20th minute.

Francesco Pio Esposito delivered a superb lay-off into Martinez’s path, and the Inter captain made no mistake, buying his low finish into the bottom right-hand corner.

The visitors controlled much of the proceedings and could have at least doubled their tally, but they were ultimately able to haul themselves over the line and remain unbeaten in their last nine top-flight matches.

While Martinez took the headlines, Esposito was near-perfect just when his side needed him the most.

Incredibly, all three of the youngster’s assists in Serie A this season have been converted by Martinez, showcasing their budding understanding. No player has recorded more assists for a single team-mate this season.

The 20-year-old was electric across his 68 minutes on the pitch and deserved to play a role in the winning goal.

All 17 of his attempted passes were accurate, a 100% success rate, while he created three chances in total. He had also chanced his arm, but his only effort of the game was blocked.

Esposito took 25 touches, including two inside Udinese’s penalty area, and completed one pass into the final third.

The statistics, taken from Fotmob, underlined just how the forward helped the Nerazzurri keep ticking over in the final third. He also contributed defensively, winning four of his seven ground duels (57%).

Pio 🤝 El Toro 🟰 ON FIRE 🔥 pic.twitter.com/WEAg3Z2U3m

— Inter ⭐⭐ (@Inter_en) January 17, 2026

Lautaro Martinez Praises ‘Important’ Team-Mate

Chivu has continued to place his trust in Esposito, and the talented prodigy has repaid him.

Indeed, his combination play with Martinez will prove crucial in the bid for the Scudetto, and the Inter captain has praised his impact.

Speaking to DAZN, Martinez said: “This is a very important victory. We know what it means to play here against such a physical team, so good on second balls. We showed quality and deserved the win.

“Pio is important. He’s a player who always makes himself available to the group. I’m happy with his work, just like Ange [Yoan Bonny] and Marcus [Thuram]. We’re doing a great job thanks to the coach and his staff.”

Inter Milan Want New Contract

Unsurprisingly, Esposito is wanted by Premier League clubs this season, with scouts dispatched to watch him.

Keen to get ahead of the competition, Inter are drawing up a new contract until June 2031, according to Tuttosport.

The club’s hierarchy are set to sit down with his agent, Mario Giuffredi, for talks, while Esposito will likely be handed a salary rise. He currently earns €1.1million per season, but this could rise to over €2.5m.