Inter got their Serie A title defense off to a disappointing start, coming from behind to draw with Genoa 2-2 on Saturday evening. Simone Inzaghi’s side recovered from an early deficit but eventually fumbled two points at Stadio Luigi Ferraris.
Yann Sommer’s disappointing reaction in the 20th minute helped Genoa defender Alessandro Vogliacco open the scoring with a simple tap-in. However, Alberto Gilardino’s conservative approach after taking the lead backfired on the Griffins as Inter bounced back ten minutes later.
Nicolo Barella whipped in a teasing cross toward Marcus Thuram, who beat his marker in the air to head home a superb header at the half-hour mark. Inter continued to dominate proceedings in the first half but failed to complete the turnaround, largely thanks to Pierluigi Gollini.
Though Inter stuttered in the second half, they turned the game on its head late. Second-half substitute Davide Frattesi served Thuram on a platter, with the Frenchman chipping the ball over Gollini to complete the turnaround in the 85th minute.
It was supposed to be the winner, yet Yann Bisseck handled the ball inside the box, sending Junior Messias to the spot in second-half injury time. Yann Sommer denied the Brazilian’s shot, but the former Milan forward guided the ball into the net in the follow-up to take two points away from Inter.
Inter (3-5-2)
Yann Sommer – 5.5
It was arguably his weakest performance for Inter despite a penalty save. Insecure with the ball at his feet, the Swiss veteran’s bizarre reaction to Mattia Bani’s rainbow header led to Genoa’s opener.
Yann Bisseck – 4
There’s an argument he should’ve been quicker to thwart Vogliacco’s tap-in, yet he grew into the contest as the game progressed, dealing with Vitinha with relative ease. However, he ruined everything in stoppages.
Francesco Acerbi – 7
The 36-year-old continues to prove age is just a number. A spot-on showing from the experienced center-back at the start of the new campaign!
Alessandro Bastoni – 7
He’s undoubtedly among the best defenders in Europe. Dominant in the air and composed when forced into tackling, the Italy international kept Genoa’s frontline quiet all game.
Matteo Darmian – 6
Despite holding up his end of the bargain in defense, the ex-Milan right-back’s offensive shortcomings came to the fore at the Marassi, resulting in his withdrawal midway through the second half.
Nicolo Barella – 7
In addition to setting up Thuram with an inch-perfect cross, the diminutive midfielder was the beating heart of Inzaghi’s midfield, delivering another typically energetic performance.
Hakan Calhanoglu – 6.5
Inter fans must have expected more from the Turk after a memorable 2023/23 season, yet he was slow out of the gates, failing to impact the play from deep in the midfield.
Henrik Mkhitaryan – 6
Maybe it’s time for Inzaghi to bench the Armenian stalwart in favor of Frattesi.
Federico Dimarco – 7
He thought he had put Inter in front late in the first half, only to see Milan Badelj’s brave goal-line clearance deny his thumping half-volley. Heavily involved in almost every attack, as ever!
Lautaro Martinez – 6
Could’ve and should’ve done better in the 40th minute. Other than wasting a glorious chance toward the end of the first half, the Inter captain failed to trouble Genoa’s backline.
Marcus Thuram – 8
Unlike his attacking companion, the Frenchman was on another level today. He netted a delightful header to restore parity and nearly drew a penalty in the first half before completing a late double.
Substitutes
Denzel Dumfries – 6
Davide Frattesi – 7
Mehdi Taremi – 5.5
Carlos Augusto – 5.5
Kristjan Asllani – N/A
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