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With second-placed AC Milan not in action until Monday (AEDT), Inter ensured it pulled further clear of its city rival thanks to Martinez's 11th goal of the season in the 20th minute.

Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye thwarted Martinez in the fourth minute before Federico Dimarco's stunning volley from Nicolo Barella's cross flashed wide of the right post.

Having missed an earlier header, Martinez broke the deadlock with a prodded finish into the bottom-right corner after collecting Francesco Pio Esposito's exquisite lay-off.

Dimarco then forced Okoye into another smart stop as Cristian Chivu's side ended the first half in the ascendancy, but it was unable to double its advantage.

An early mistake from Thomas Kristensen after the break offered Inter a chance to increase Inter's lead, but Henrikh Mkhitaryan's attempt was palmed to safety by Okoye.

From there, Inter was frustrated and unable to create any clear-cut opportunities, but it mattered little for the Nerazzurri, who kept Udinese to just five shots.

Inter is now unbeaten in its past nine games in Serie A, with the Nerazzurri last enjoying a longer run between September 2024 and February 2025 (17 matches).

Chivu's side has now won eight of its past nine matches in the league, drawing the other against reigning champion Napoli, and he praised his side for another strong performance which extended its cushion at the summit.

"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," he said.

"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 leader has now kept four clean sheets in its past six matches and 11 in the league overall, more than any other side in the division.

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

"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 past seven seasons of the competition, stretching back to the 2019-2020 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."