Inter tightened the noose on a highly-anticipated 20th Scudetto with a hard-earned 2-1 home win against mid-table Genoa on Monday. What started as another day in the office turned into an intense contest, yet Simone Inzaghi’s side got another crucial three points over the line.
After Juventus’ loss at Napoli, Inter knew a 12th consecutive win in 2024 would put the Serie A title beyond doubt. Despite lacking two first-team stars in Hakan Calhanoglu and Alessandro Bastoni, Nerazzurri performed well from the get-go, though Genoa threatened Yann Sommer’s goal in the early goings.
Inter weathered the storm and started mounting pressure on Albert Gilardino’s team. The initiative paid off in the 30th minute as Kristjan Asllani finished a delightful team move with a thumping finish to put runaway league leaders in front. It didn’t take long before the hosts doubled their lead.
Nicolo Barella broke one-on-one with Genoa goalkeeper Josep Martinez but failed to convert. However, after consulting with VAR, referee Givanni Ayroldi penalized a mistimed tackle from Morten Frendrup. Alexis Sanchez took the responsibility and made no mistake from the spot, sending Martinez the wrong way to put clear daylight between the sides.
Genoa pulled one back through Johan Vasquez’s incredible volley nine minutes after the break. But it was only a consolation goal for the Griffins as Inter maintained their flawless start to the new calendar year. Now it’s time to look at our player ratings.
Inter (3-5-2)
Yann Sommer – 7
There was nothing he could’ve done to deny the Genoa defender, but the Swiss goalkeeper made a fabulous save to thwart Mateo Retegui’s close-range header early on.
Benjamin Pavard – 6
Not one of his best nights, even though his passing and composure on the ball were as sharp as ever.
Stefan de Vrij – 6.5
Held up his end of the bargain against Retegui and seemed comfortable in high-octane moments, proving himself a valuable asset in Francesco Acerbi’s absence.
Carlos Augusto – 6.5
Slotted in for suspended Alessandro Bastoni and did well in the first half but had some shaky moments after the break as Genoa’s pressure on Inter’s backline heightened.
Denzel Dumfries – 6
Though his near-anonymous attacking performance caught many by surprise, the Dutchman strangely failed to impress at the back, finding himself out of position several times.
Nicolo Barella – 7
Heavily involved in every attacking movement tonight, as evidenced by Asllani’s opener and the penalty he drew to send Sanchez to the spot.
Kristjan Asllani – 7
Got a long-awaited Inter breakthrough with a thunderous first-time strike but often struggled with his decision-making, especially when his side had a chance to hurt Genoa on the counter.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 7
His endless work rate in the center of the park proved crucial again as he helped Inter retain possession under pressure with his trademark runs through the middle.
Federico Dimarco – 6.5
Despite a relatively quiet offensive performance, the Italian left-back fared well at the back, delivering one of his most eye-catching defensive showings this term.
Lautaro Martinez – 6
It’s hard to remember the last time the Inter talisman had such a frustrating evening.
Alexis Sanchez – 8
A man-of-the-match performance from the Chilean veteran! After an inch-perfect to set up Asllani for the opening goal, he converted the penalty with conviction.
Substitutes
Matteo Darmian – 6
Marcus Thuram – 6
Francesco Acerbi – 6.5
Yann Bisseck – 6.5
Marko Arnautovic – 5.5
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