Inter squeezed past RB Salzburg 2-1 in their third Champions League Group D outing, tightening the stranglehold on the top spot. Simone Inzaghi’s men didn’t have an impressive night but managed to eke out a crucial victory.
After a back-to-back unbeaten start to Group D (W1, D1), Inter came into proceedings as significant pre-match favorites. But the game didn’t begin well for the Italians as Salzburg had a clear-cut chance to take the lead, with Yann Sommer pulling off a brilliant save to keep the scoreline intact.
Inter made the Austrians pay for missed opportunities as Alexis Sanchez latched onto the loose ball inside the box to open the scoring with a routine finish midway through the first half. It was the halftime score. Oscar Gloukh restored parity with a phenomenal strike from the edge of the box before Hakan Calhanoglu slotted home another penalty to secure another win for Nerazzurri.
Let’s look at our player ratings.
Inter (3-5-2)
Yann Sommer – 6
Made a stunning early save to deny Oscar Gloukh from close range. There was nothing he could’ve done to stop the goal.
Benjamin Pavard – 6.5
Did his defensive work to a tee in the first half and helped Inter build from the back with his usual calmness on the ball and precise passes. Had some lapses of concentration after the break.
Stefan de Vrij – 6.5
Calm and collected with the ball at his feet but containing fast Salzburg forwards proved a tall order at times.
Alessandro Bastoni – 7
Despite starting the game on the back foot, the recently-criticized center-back grew into the contest, showing glimpses of last season’s form. His lofted balls over the top created numerous problems for the Austrian backline.
Carlos Augusto – 6
Uncharacteristically quiet night on the opposition half for the attacking-minded full-back! Most of his passes went backward while he barely had any impact in the front third in the first half. Drastically improved after halftime.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 6.5
In an otherwise troubled first half for Inter, the Armenian was arguably the brightest spot. Wasn’t afraid to take on his markers in one-v-ones, while his defense-splitting pass led to the opening goal. It’s unfathomable why Inzaghi withdrew him at halftime.
Hakan Calhanoglu – 7
Pulled the strings in the middle of the park. Kept his passes clean and precise, though his set-piece deliveries weren’t as spot-on as in some recent games. Converted another penalty, sending the keeper the wrong way.
Davide Frattesi – 6.5
Got an assist despite unintentionally picking out Sanchez in space with an awkward flick. However, overall performance flattered to deceive! Had too many loose touches but worked his socks off to make up for sloppy reactions.
Denzel Dumfries – 6.5
Continued his extraordinary start to the season with another electrifying showing on the right-hand season. Was at the thick of every action in the first half, giving Salzburg’s backline a sizeable headache.
Alexis Sanchez – 7
Undoubtedly his most impressive display since coming back to Inter in the summer! Apart from the goal, had several nifty touches that brought the Inter fans to their feet.
Lautaro Martinez –
Put a shift in but had nothing to show for it. After a relatively uneventful first-half performance where he had no clear sight of goal found the net but was unlucky to see VAR disallow his goal for offside in the build-up.
Substitutes
Nicolo Barella – 7
Like Inzaghi’s decision to bench him produced the desired effect as he delivered an energetic showing since taking Mkhitaryan’s place at the start of the second half.
Matteo Darmian – 6
Replaced Dumfries and had a decent game defensive-wise. Nowhere to be seen upfront, though.
Marcus Thuram – 6
Not one of his best nights at Meazza. Failed to impact the play.
Kristjan Asllani – 5
Had no time to showcase his talents, considering Inter already opted to defend the lead when he came on.
Davy Klassen – N/A
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