Inter-Udinese is 1st Serie A match to start with all foreign players

Inter and Udinese kicked off Saturday's match at the San Siro without a single Italian among the 22 starters - the first such case in Serie A history.

The foreign affair featured nationalities ranging from Brazil and Colombia to Japan and Ghana, but none from the league's native Italy. Only once before did a match in any of the big five leagues commence without any homegrown talent - in 2009 during a clash between Portsmouth and Arsenal, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

By its very nature, Inter is an international club. It was founded on principles of inclusion, with its pioneers breaking away from AC Milan in 1908 to form a club that made more space for international signings.

However, the side's virtues have also been turned against it. Critics contend that the Nerazzurri have hindered the progress of players at home, as they routinely rely on foreigners. One of their summer signings, Montenegrin Stevan Jovetic, proved particularly helpful on this night.

His two goals propelled Inter to a 3-1 comeback win over Udinese, with Brazilian-born Italy international Eder securing the insurance in the closing stages of the game. Inter is now within four points of third-placed Roma, which hosts second-placed Napoli on Monday.