Lautaro Martinez put on a dazzling performance as Inter overcame Milan in a tight 1-0 victory in the Derby della Madonnina. The striker was in fine form, scoring the game-winning goal on five shots as the Inter midfield overwhelmed Milan. The Nerazzurri backline also impressed, holding on despite the visitors’ second half resurgence.
Andre Onana – 5.5
Inter’s goalkeeper made one horrifying error, gifting a close-range chance to Olivier Giroud, but he was otherwise in decent form for the hosts.
Milan Skriniar – 8
Skriniar played a key role for Inter, providing a crucial option as Milan sat deep in their own half. The centre-back received the ball high up the pitch, and, with none of the opposition stepping up to challenge him, created several dangerous chances.
Francesco Acerbi – 7
The big man’s height and strength proved crucial, as he matched Olivier Giroud pound-for-pound both in the air and on the ground.
Alessandro Bastoni – 7.5
The centre-back completed an impressive 50 passes while helping Inter dominate possession starting from the backline.
Matteo Darmian – 6
As the right wing-back, Darmian played a much more functional role than his counterpart. Once Rafael Leao took the pitch, his form dipped, but it was by no means a poor showing.
Federico Dimarco – 7
Along with Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Dimarco dominated the left wing. Davide Calabria offered the pair little opposition, and they subsequently ran wild in the ample space.
Hakan Calhanoglu – 8
After seven matches without a goal or an assist, the Turk’s beautiful cross on a corner found the head of Lautaro and won the match for Inter. Calhanoglu put in a strong shift for his side, keeping the ball moving while constantly providing an option for his teammates.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 7.5
While his two partners had flashier appearances, Mkhitaryan was quietly superb in the middle of the park, providing cover in front of the backline and combining with Dimarco on the wing.
Nicolo Barella – 8.5
In the centre of the pitch, Barella was a class above everyone else. The young Italian moved the ball fantastically and created several chances as Inter overran the midfield.
Edin Dzeko – 7
Though Dzeko was ineffective from inside the box, his hold-up play in the first half baffled the Milan backline and created lanes of space for Inter’s onrushing midfield.
Lautaro Martinez – 8.5
After testing Ciprian Tatarusanu time and time again, Lautaro finally opened scoring late in the first half. The forward turned in a performance of the highest quality, dominating Milan’s back three with his rapid movement and technical skill.
Inter sweep Milan 2 derbies in a row ? pic.twitter.com/sBTiAcBUYF
— Italian Football TV (@IFTVofficial) February 5, 2023
Substitutes
Romelu Lukaku – 5.5
In a like-for-like switch, Lukaku replaced Dzeko at striker, but he failed to accomplish much of anything.
Marcelo Brozovic – 6
After a lengthy absence, the midfielder finally returned for Inter, and his influence in the midfield helped the Nerazzurri hang on to the victory.