Inter Player Ratings vs Monza: El Toro Bulldozes Crucial Victory | OneFootball

Reigning Serie A champions Inter followed in the footsteps of their San Siro rivals, Milan, staging a massive comeback to beat Monza at home. Simone Inzaghi’s charges overturned a two-goal deficit to win 3-2 and temporarily move four points clear of second-placed Napoli.

Despite creating multiple chances and dominating possession in the first half an hour, Inter couldn’t find a way past Stefano Turati. Monza punished their hosts’ misses midway through the first half as Samuele Birindelli slotted the ball beneath Josep Martinez to open the scoring.

However, not even the most optimistic Monza fans could’ve expected Alessandro Nesta’s side to go 2-0 up in the first half. Yet, former Inter forward Keita Balde scored an absolute beauty to put daylight between the sides.

Inter pulled one back quickly through Marko Arnautovic, who headed home from close proximity to give the Nerazzurri a fighting chance in the second half. Back to the starting XI, Hakan Calhanoglu crowned his delightful performance with a rocket to draw Inter level.

Monza were on the ropes, and it was only a matter of time before Inter would find a third. Despite having relatively quiet games by his standard, Lautaro Martinez scored when his team needed him the most, beating Turati with a stunning header to make it 3-2.

Without further ado, let’s look at our Inter ratings.

Inter (3-5-2)

Josep Martinez – 5.5

His defenders left him helpless for Monza’s first while Balde gave him no chance as he riffled the ball into the top corner with surgical precision.

Benjamin Pavard – 5

The Frenchman was the main culprit for Balde’s goal, letting the ex-Inter forward dribble past him with ease before unleashing an unstoppable shot.

Stefan de Vrij – 5.5

Like Pavard, the Dutch veteran didn’t brim with confidence and allowed Birindelli to slip his mark for the first goal, making Inzaghi replace him at the break.

Francesco Acerbi – 6.5

Despite his age, the Italian defender is still a force to be reckoned with, as witnessed by another reassuring performance after a troubled game at Napoli last weekend.

Alessandro Bastoni – 6.5

There’s nothing Inzaghi’s most trusted defender couldn’t do. Swooped in for Federico Dimarco on the left wing and delivered another commendable showing.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 6

The Armenian midfielder will hardly earn a new contract if he continues this way. It was far from a memorable night for the former Roma star.

Hakan Calhanoglu – 7.5

When fit and ready, he’s an absolute world-class! The goal was a piece of art, and he dictated Inter’s play with plan and purpose, showcasing excellent playmaking skills.

Nicolo Barella – 6

Despite his energetic display, the diminutive midfielder looked erratic at times.

Denzel Dumfries – 7

The Dutchman’s dream season shows no signs of slowing down. In addition to nearly drawing Inter level early in the second half, he served Arnautovic on a silver platter with a towering header.

Marko Arnautovic – 7

The Austrian superstar doesn’t start often, but he’s a gift that keeps on giving. In the right place at the right time to initiate Inter’s comeback with a poacher’s finish.

Lautaro Martinez – 7.5

The Inter skipper didn’t let an early disallowed goal knock him off his perch, as he bagged a diving header to complete the turnaround and nearly registered an assist for Marcus Thuram.

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