Inter proved they can win high-profile matches without Lautaro Martinez, pulling off a hard-earned 1-0 victory against Bologna at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara. Simone Inzaghi’s side worked their socks off to maintain a 100% win ratio in 2024, setting themselves up nicely for the upcoming Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid.
Bologna carried an impressive six-game winning Serie A run into tonight’s proceedings. However, Thiago Motta’s team couldn’t punch above their weight as Nerazzurri’s backline stood firm. Without Martinez, Inter needed a new hero, and they found one from the unlikeliest of sources.
Yann Bisseck ran at the far post to meet Alessandro Bastoni’s teasing cross and struck home a thumping header after being left unmarked inside the six-yard box. Little did anyone know his strike would decide this fixture, especially given both sides’ scoring prowess.
Strangely enough, Inter abandoned their attacking aspirations after the break. The division’s most prolific team failed to produce a single shot on goal in the second half and had Bologna’s relatively uneventful display to thank for leaving Emilia-Romagna with all three points.
Let’s look at our Inter ratings as Inzaghi’s men now boast an 18-point lead over second-placed Juventus.
Inter (3-5-2)
Yann Sommer – 7.5
The Swiss goalkeeper was up to the task again, making three saves, including a crucial stop to thwart Joshua Zirkzee in the second half.
Yann Bisseck – 8
Filling Benjamin Pavard’s shoes is no small ask, yet the young center-back excelled at Dall’Ara. Besides the match-winning strike, he never put his foot wrong at the back tonight.
Francesco Acerbi – 7.5
An embodiment of no-nonsense defending! Aware of his speed limitations, the veteran defender relied on his inch-perfect position and game reading to keep Bologna’s free-scoring frontline quiet.
Alessandro Bastoni – 7.5
Whipped in a delightful cross for Bisseck, but his defensive contribution was even more impressive as he dealt with Jens Odgaard without any problem.
Matteo Darmian – 7
He’s aging like fine wine. In addition to another commendable defensive performance, he showed glimpses of his hidden attacking talent in the first half.
Nicolo Barella – 6
He should’ve scored in a one-on-one with Lucasz Skorupski midway through the first half. Other than that, it was a disappointing evening for the Italian midfielder.
Hakan Calhanoglu – 6.5
Back to the starting XI after a short-term injury, the Turkish playmaker had a relatively uninspiring game for his high standards. But he did well to retain possession under pressure multiple times.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 6
Not one of his best showings! The Armenian never gained a foothold in proceedings, making a near-anonymous 61-minute appearance at Dall’Ara.
Carlos Augusto – 6
Inzaghi’s decision to sub him off at halftime was puzzling, considering he was one of Inter’s liveliest performers in the first half, completing numerous darting runs down the left flank.
Marcus Thuram – 6
Barella’s unfathomable miss denied him an assist. However, Inter fans must have expected more from their new talisman.
Alexis Sanchez – 5.5
Apart from giving up several cheap free-kicks, he spent most of the match in ‘stealth mode.’
Substitutes
Denzel Dumfries – 7
Davide Frattesi – 6
Kristjan Asllani – 6.5
Marko Arnautovic – 6.5
Davy Klassen – 5
 |
Follow us on Google News for more updates on Serie A and Italian football |