Inter Milan coach Luciano Spalletti insists defeat to Udinese was a blip.

It marked their first loss of the season and saw Inter lose the Serie A leadership.

“We hope it will be a Christmas without respite, with serenity, hugs and fun," Spalletti said as he attended the club's Christmas party.

“We also have to use it to stay close to the players, because they're not the ones who lost 3-1 but the ones who got 40 points from 17 games and we have to honour them.

“Often when I talk about my team I say that the fans are a second team, they're behind us and wish us the best in every game.

“They applauded us even after the defeat and that can only make us stronger."