Inter swept arch-rivals Milan aside with an overwhelming 3-0 victory to win back-to-back Supercoppa Italiana titles for the first time since 2005-2006. Head coach Simone Inzaghi has won his fourth Super Cup trophy, maintaining an outrageous 100% win ratio in the showpiece event.
Inter headed into the match as reigning Supercoppa Italiana holders after ousting Juventus 2-1 after extra time in last season’s final. Simone Inzaghi’s side acted accordingly, taking an early lead through Federico Dimarco. Edin Dzeko fired the Nerazzurri into a sailing two-goal cushion midway through the first half.
After weathering the storm early in the second half, Inter found their third of the night through talismanic forward Lautaro Martinez in the 77th minute. Milan did nothing concrete to make Inzaghi’s team sweat in Saudi Arabia, helping the Italian manager steady the ship amid his side’s sub-par Serie A exploits.
There’s no time for celebrations as Inter must swiftly turn their attention to the upcoming league encounter against bottom-half Empoli.
Inter (3-5-2)
Andre Onana – 8/10
Merely a spectator in the opening 45 minutes. Had to deal with a few long-range attempts in the second half and was always reliable.
Alessandro Bastoni – 8/10
Played his part in Inter’s second and was composed on the ball all night long. Never truly tested by Olivier Giroud as he won virtually every battle against the French striker.
Francesco Acerbi – 8/10
Another assured performance from the veteran. Held up his end of the bargain in aerial duels with Giroud, ensuring stability and steeliness at the back.
Milan Skriniar – 8/10
A composed display from the sought-after defender, although he had tougher tests. Picked Martinez out with a phenomenal long ball to claim an assist for his trouble.
Matteo Darmian – 7/10
Not his most impressive showing in the attacking sense, yet he barely put his foot wrong defensively to keep Leao at bay.
Nicolo Barella – 6/10
Though he was questionable for this contest following a minor injury setback, the Italian ran the midfield down, winning virtually every 50/50 challenge before being withdrawn midway through the second half.
Hakan Calhanoglu – 7/10
He won’t get the acclaim for this victory, but the Turks’ ability to drop back was crucial to Inter’s build-up play. His passing was sublime tonight.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 6/10
Not the fastest or the strongest player on the pitch, but the Armenian midfielder enjoyed a solid game, ensuring Inter retain possession under pressure.
Federico Dimarco – 7/10
In addition to scoring a pivotal opener, the attacking-minded left-back excelled in his offensive duties tonight. Too bad an undisclosed injury forced him off early in the second half.
Edin Dzeko – 7/10
Once again clinical in front of goal. Had one chance and made it count. But Inzaghi wouldn’t mind having the Bosnian a bit more involved in the overall play.
Lautaro Martinez – 8/10
Terrorized the Milan backline with his strength and movement, and was rewarded with a brilliant individual goal to kill the game off. Drawn numerous set pieces for his side on top of that.
Substitutes
Robin Gosens – 3/10
Roberto Gagliardini – 4/10
Joaquin Correa – 3/10
Kristjan Asllani – NA/10
Stefan de Vrij – NA/10
 |
Follow us on Google News for more updates on Serie A and Italian football |