Inter Milan, looking to improve on last season’s third-place finish, did not control the game to the extent they would have liked.
Browsing: Lautaro Martinez
Nerazzurri went into the second leg of their semi-final clash with Derby della Madonnina on Tuesday with a 2-0 lead.
After a dominant first half, Argentina failed to secure all three points after having two goals cancelled before the half time whistle. Seven time Ballon d’Or winner, Lionel Messi, scored the only goal of the match for his side through a penalty in the first ten minutes of the match.
The reigning Serie A champions have now won just two of their past nine league matches after their stuttering form continued on Saturday.
The runaway leaders had been frustrated against a relegated side who are bottom of the table.
Inter are seven points ahead of second-placed city rivals AC Milan who are at Roma later Sunday, and 10 clear of champions Juventus, who were held 1-1 at Hellas Verona on Saturday and have played a game fewer.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s team will have to do without Paulo Dybala, while on Inter side, both Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martínez will be eager to come out on top.
The visitors travelled to Udine on a high after beating title rivals, Juventus, 2-0 last weekend.
Tempers flared in the second half of the game, which saw one player from each side sent off.
Manchester United have told Inter Milan they will have to include striker Lautaro Martinez in any bid for Paul Pogba.
The 21-year-old right-back pulled one back off his shin before finding the winner in the 77th minute, after Julian Brandt equalised for the hosts.
Romelu Lukaku scored twice in the last 15 minutes, the second a stoppage-time penalty, as Inter Milan dramatically came from behind to win 2-1 at Bologna in Serie A on Saturday.
Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez scored two goals each as Inter Milan survived a late fightback to beat Sassuolo 4-3 at the Mapei Stadium on Sunday.
Juventus ended Inter Milan’s perfect record in Serie A and took over top spot as Gonzalo Higuain’s superb late strike earned a 2-1 victory in the San Siro on Sunday.
An early goal from Lautaro Martinez and a late second from Sergio Aguero gave Argentina a 2-0 win over Qatar on Sunday.