Visitors Inter were able to defeat Atalanta on Saturday evening as they expanded their lead at the top of Serie A. Lautaro Martinez scored a fantastic goal in order to secure all three points for the Nerazzurri, fighting off a Gianluca Scamacca-led comeback for the hosts.
Inter took the lead before the break after they were awarded a penalty kick. Atalanta goalkeeper Juan Musso was judged to have brought down substitute Matteo Darmian unfairly inside the box. Turkish midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu made no mistake from the spot, comfortably slotting the ball past the Argentine ‘keeper.
The away side looked more in control of the match after the restart and they found their second of the game through talisman Lautaro Martinez. The 2022 World Cup winner was able to cut in from the left before curling the ball into the far right corner. Nevertheless, La Dea quickly responded, with Gianluca Scamacca making it 2-1 less than five minutes after Inter’s second. However, the away side were able to see out the win and secure all three points.
Inter: (3-5-2)
Yann Sommer – 6
Didn’t have much to deal with throughout the match here but made a few saves.
Benjamin Pavard – N/A
Forced off in the opening period after taking a heavy blow to the head.
Stefan De Vrij – 7
Looked comfortable in possession and also made a few tackles at the back, winning his duels.
Francesco Acerbi – 6.5
Wasn’t as composed as his fellow defensive counterparts but looked solid as Inter were able to secure the win.
Denzel Dumfries – 6
Never really troubled down his side of the pitch but failed to make much impact going forward.
Nicolo Barella – 6.5
Fairly composed in the middle of the park but didn’t have too much influence on the game either. Won his duels well.
Hakan Calhanoglu – 8
Comfortably converted the penalty into the bottom left corner. Controlled the tempo with his accurate passes and was superb in the midfield three.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 7.5
Created a few chances and assisted Martinez’s goal in the second half. Won his duels well and looked fairly solid in the midfield overall.
Federico Dimarco – 5
Failed to make much impact down the left-flank and it was his error that led to Scamacca’s goal.
Marcus Thuram – 5.5
Linked the play well at times going forward but lacked any real cutting edge in the final third here today.
Lautaro Martinez – 8
Showed a couple of nice touches in the first half but demonstrated his quality by finishing the ball into the far right corner to put the visitors two ahead. Magnificent finish.
Substitutions
Matteo Darmian – 6.5
Won the penalty after going through on goal and was taken out by goalkeeper Juan Musso. Solid display.