Mkhitaryan Starts for Inter for the First Time This Season: 6 Shots in 5-3 Win over Udinese

Armenia national team midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan made his first start for Inter in the 2026/27 season. The 37-year-old played 62 minutes against Udinese as the reigning Italian champions came back from 0-2 down to secure an entertaining 5-3 victory.

The match got off to a disastrous start for Inter. By the 16th minute, the visitors had already taken a two-goal lead thanks to goals from James Abankwah and Jurgen Ekkelenkamp.

However, the reigning Serie A champions managed to draw level before half-time. Carlos Augusto pulled one back in the 26th minute, before Nicolo Barella made it 2-2 in the 35th minute.

Inter continued to apply pressure after the break. Marcus Thuram put the hosts ahead for the first time in the 57th minute, before Francesco Pio Esposito and Ange-Yoan Bonny extended the Nerazzurri's advantage to 5-2.

In the 90th minute, Idrissa Gueye scored Udinese's third goal to set the final score at 5-3.

Mkhitaryan takes six shots and comes close to scoring

Henrikh Mkhitaryan did not register a goal or an assist but was one of Inter's most active players in the final third.

The Armenian midfielder attempted six shots, recording an expected goals figure of 0.39 xG, while also missing one big chance.

Mkhitaryan also came close to providing an assist. He registered two key passes, with his expected assists figure reaching 0.6 xA.

The Armenian was also highly accurate in possession, completing 30 of his 32 passes for a 94% passing accuracy.

Mkhitaryan, who had already received a yellow card, was substituted in the 62nd minute. SofaScore rated his performance at 6.9.

How the Italian media rated Mkhitaryan's performance

The 37-year-old midfielder received generally solid, if somewhat restrained, ratings from the Italian media.

Eurosport — 6. The outlet highlighted Mkhitaryan's work rate and his willingness to try his luck from distance, although several of his efforts failed to hit the target.

Calciomercato — 5.5. The publication noted that Mkhitaryan's inclusion in the starting lineup was somewhat unexpected. It also pointed out that he lacked precision in front of goal on several occasions, while Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye denied him in one of his most dangerous attempts.

FCInterNews — 6. The outlet praised the Armenian's active pressing and his willingness to move the ball forward quickly whenever an attacking option became available. Mkhitaryan also came close to scoring Inter's third goal, but Okoye produced a fine save to keep out his right-footed effort.

Leggo — 6.5. This was the highest rating Mkhitaryan received among the listed Italian outlets. The publication noted that after a difficult start, the midfielder improved considerably, covered plenty of ground, pressed aggressively and repeatedly looked to play vertical passes.

Overall, Henrikh Mkhitaryan's first start for Inter this season ended with an impressive victory for the Milan club. Although he did not score or provide an assist, the Armenian midfielder regularly threatened the opposition goal and had several opportunities to make a direct contribution.