Inter made another significant stride to lifting a landmark 20th Scudetto with a scintillating 4-0 home triumph against top-four hopefuls Atalanta. Simone Inzaghi’s side put on another rampant performance in the rescheduled fixture against top-four hopefuls to go 12 points clear of runners-up Juventus.
After VAR disallowed Atalanta’s early opener, Inter took firm control of proceedings and eventually the lead through an unlikely source. Matteo Darmian pounced on a rebound inside the visitors’ box to open the scoring in the 26th minute, setting the tone for Nerazzurri’s spectacular triumph.
Inter doubled their advantage on the stroke of halftime when free-firing Lautaro Martinez netted his 23rd goal this Serie A season, effectively putting the game to bed. Things went from bad to worse for Atalanta at the start of the second half as VAR worked against them again, resulting in a penalty kick for Inzaghi’s team.
Though Marco Carnesecchi thwarted Martinez from the spot, Federico Dimarco was quick to get on the end of a loose ball, making it 3-0. Inter continued to dominate Gian Piero Gasperini’s troops, and the fitting reward arrived in the 71st minute.
Second-half substitutes combined to land a hammer blow as Alexis Sanchez showed his football brilliance, taking a quick free-kick, with Davide Frattesi picking up his cross on the near post with an unstoppable header.
Atalanta seemed up the creek without a paddle, especially in the second half, making Inter’s effort to increase their clean-sheet tally a walk in the park. Now it’s time to look at our Inter ratings.
Inter (3-5-2)
Yann Sommer – 7
Back between the sticks after being left out of the squad against Lecce due to illness, the Swiss goalkeeper had a field day, with Atalanta restricted to a single shot on target.
Benjamin Pavard – 7
After a bit rusty start to the game, the marquee summer arrival grew into the contest and plugged all the holes on the right side. His passing was impeccable as ever.
Stefan de Vrij – 7.5
Inzaghi is a blessed man. Having such a reliable center-back to fill the shoes of Francesco Acerbi is a Christmas gift, and the Dutchman is the one that keeps on giving.
Alessandro Bastoni – 7.5
A near-flawless display from the Italian, although there’s an argument he could’ve and should’ve avoided picking up a silly booking deep inside the opposition’s territory.
Matteo Darmian – 7
Redeemed himself for an overzealous challenge, which earned him an early booking, with a crucial deadlock-breaker, and composed himself after the goal. Inzaghi refused to take chances and withdrew him at halftime.
Nicolo Barella – 6.5
Had several erratic passes in the early goings but recovered as the game progressed, though he didn’t bring his A-game tonight.
Kristjan Asllani – 6.5
Assuming Hakan Calhanoglu’s place in the team is an arduous task, yet the Albanian did well from the center of the midfield. He may want to consider passing more often in the front third rather than taking ‘Hail Mary’ shots.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 7
It’s perhaps difficult to fathom he’s 35, given his incredible work ratio and endless runs down the middle of the park. Such an essential part of the machinery!
Federico Dimarco – 7.5
Though he slotted home a routine finish, the goal was the icing on the cake as the offensive-minded left-back enjoyed a superb game down his favorite left-hand side.
Marko Arnautovic – 6
His ability to hold the ball under pressure is fascinating, but he had virtually no impact in the most decisive areas.
Lautaro Martinez – 7
A missed penalty spoiled his image tonight, but Inter fans couldn’t care less about it as their talisman maintained his prolific form with a stunning finish from the edge of the box.
Substitutes
Denzel Dumfries – 7
Alexis Sanchez – 7
Davide Frattesi – 7.5
Carlos Augusto – 6
Davy Klassen – 6
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