It was Inter coach Leonardo's first defeat since he took over from Rafa Benitez in December and snaps a run of five straight wins under the Brazilian.

“We started the match well and with the right mentality,” Leonardo said. “Unfortunately we couldn't come back, but it is a difficult stadium to come to and Udinese is in great form.” Dejan Stankovic gave visiting Inter the lead in the 16th and it appeared that Inter was in total control when he went close minutes later.

However, Udinese equalized soon after through Cristian Zapata and by halftime was leading 2-1 after Antonio Di Natale scored from a free kick.

In the second half Maurizio Domizzi added a third after Inter's defense was again unable to clear the danger.

“Physically we are in good shape and playing well,” Di Natale said. “It is always difficult against Inter, and it is a team that will be involved in the title race right till the end. That said we are playing well and deserved to win today.” Inter nearly fell behind in the ninth when Maicon went close to lobbing his own goalkeeper Luca Castellazzi after he miscued a cross by Giampiero Pinzi.

Stankovic's goal appeared to settle Inter's nerves. Thiago Motta laid the ball into his path and Stankovic shot low into the far corner.

The Serb almost doubled his tally in the 19th. Udinese's defense failed to clear a corner and Stankovic hit a volley from the edge of the area that goalkeeper Samir Handanovic saw late and pushed over the bar.

Two minutes later Udinese was level as Inter's defensive problems began to show. The ball wasn't cleared and from just inside the area Zapata shot past Castellazzi.

Di Natale then put Udinese into the lead when he curled a free kick over the wall.

After halftime Udinese maintained the pressure and Di Natale and Domizzi went close to extending the host's lead.

Udinese scored a deserved third in the 69th. Inter's defense was unable to clear Di Natale's free kick, Zapata headed back into the box and Domizzi reached the ball first and flicked it past Castellazzi.