Cruz Strikes Late For Inter

Julio Cruz's stoppage-time winner snatched all three points for Inter Milan in a disappointing encounter against Udinese at the San Siro.

It is a mark of true champions that they can still grind out results even when things appear to be going against them, and that is what Inter did as they fought to the end in a match that was more about gritty determination than stylish football.

The result was a harsh blow for the Friulians who deserved at least a point, but return to Udine empty-handed and drop three places to fifth in the Serie A standings.

Inter have once again dominated the headlines this week.

A comedy of errors in Cyprus on Tuesday saw the Italian champions draw 3-3 against Anorthosis Famagusta in the Champions League as they capitulated defensively.

Moreover, the Udinese match marked the fourth time on the trot that Adriano had been dropped from the squad, with coach Jose Mourinho insisting it was simply a tactical decision.

Those two facts perhaps played a part in Inter's performance on Sunday as the players were cautious to avoid a repeat of the individual errors that cost them dearly in midweek while they were obviously missing the creativity of Adriano.

Mario Balotelli was one of the few to shine in Cyprus and he almost helped Inter take the lead in the 23rd minute as a great pass from him picked out an unmarked Zlatan Ibrahimovic who had only Udinese goalkeeper Samir Handanovic to beat, but a timely tackle from Maurizio Domizzi snuffed out the threat.

Balotelli was again at the heart of the action three minutes later with a good cross in towards Andrade Quaresma but Handanovic was not troubled by the weak low shot.

Udinese could have taken the lead five minutes from the end of a lethargic first half with a spectacular 35-yard thunderbolt from Gokhan Inler which Inter goalkeeper Julio Cesar could only parry, but fortunately for him it fell to Walter Samuel who was able to clear the danger.

Inter enjoyed a good chance just two minutes later as Balotelli's free-kick from the edge of the box tested Handanovic who needed two attempts to hold the ball.

The second half was a slight improvement on the previous 45 minutes and Inter had one of their best opportunities shortly before the hour mark as a great save from Handanovic turned away Ibrahimovic's ball to the near post.

The home crowd were growing increasingly restless but they were almost sparked into life in the 66th minute as their team threatened with a fine free-kick from Esteban Cambiasso but Handanovic palmed it away and then managed to hang on to the resultant goalbound header.

The fans were in full voice two minutes later as they screamed for a penalty when Domizzi charged down a shot by Ibrahimovic and it hit his hand, but the referee adjudged it to be unintentional.

Inter should have taken the lead two minutes from time as Javier Zanetti's 30-yard shot crashed off Handanovic's left post, but they finally grabbed a goal in the second minute of stoppage time.

Cruz, who had rescued a point for Inter in Cyprus 10 minutes from time, was again his side's saviour as he headed home a late winner to inflict Udinese's second defeat of the season.

Full Result
Bologna 1-1 Roma (Sat 19.30)
Catania 2-1 Cagliari
Chievo 0-2 Juventus
Fiorentina 2-1 Atalanta
Genoa 4-0 Reggina
Inter 1-0 Udinese
Lazio 3-0 Siena
Lecce 1-1 Milan (19.30)
Napoli 2-0 Sampdoria
Torino 1-0 Palermo (Sat 17.00)