Inter boss Cristian Chivu paid tribute to the maturity of his Inter side as they moved six points clear at the top of Serie A with a 1-0 win at Udinese.

The only goal of the match would arrive in the 20th minute, as Lautaro Martinez was found by Pio Espoito and made no mistake from 12 yards with a clever finish.

Federico Dimarco had gone close in the opening stages of the match with an effort that skimmed the far post, while he also had a goal disallowed on the hour mark, as Inter would hold out to secure another three points.

The Nerazzurri have now won 16 of their first 21 matches in this Serie A season, and on the previous five occasions when they had recorded more than 15 wins after the same number of games, they went on to win the Scudetto at the end of the season.

Furthemore, Chivu's side have now won eight of their last nine matches in the league, drawing the other against reigning champions Napoli, and he praised his side for another strong performance which extended their cushion at the summit.

In his post-match press conference, he said: "The team put in a mature performance, reading each moment well, trying to be proactive, and even enduring Udinese's attack in the final minutes.

"That's all thanks to the players and the work we do each day.

"There’s a strong desire to be competitive and consistent with our work and ambitions."

The league leaders have now kept four clean sheets in their last six matches and 11 in the league overall, more than any other side in the division.

Chivu added: "Lately, the whole team has been working brilliantly in defence, with great attention and responsibility, from pressing high to maintaining the mid-block.

"We defend high, press with the forwards, and through their work, the pressure from behind, and the intensity and courage of our midfielders to go into duels, as well as the defenders’ bravery to hold a high line, we're working well.

"The commitment and determination of this group is incredible."

Martinez scored his 11th league goal of the season, and has now been involved in 15 goals overall, becoming the first player to achieve the feat in each of the last seven seasons of the competition, stretching back to the 2019-20 campaign.

The Argentine was set up by his strike partner Espoito, and Chivu spoke warmly of the options at his disposal in the attacking areas, with Ange-Yoan Bonny coming off the bench and Marcus Thuram remaining an unused substitute.

He said: "I have four forwards who work well, complement each other, give everything for the group, and approach each day with focus, commitment, and responsibility.

"Our game also depends on what they do, and they’re doing an excellent job."