After a brilliant first-half performance, Alessandro Bastoni made a critical error as Inter again dropped points, this time losing 0-1 to Monza. The first 70 minutes seemed to be a defensive masterclass, as the hosts’ backline utterly shut down their opponents, but one lapse in concentration spoiled the effort.
Andre Onana – 6
The Inter backline has had a recent trend of allowing just one or two shots on target per game, but typically these are the shots that find the back of the net.
Stefan de Vrij – 8
The Dutchman took care of business today, anchoring the backline from his central position. Monza’s few attacking chances came on the counter, and de Vrij’s defending was a significant reason why the visitors failed to break through in the first half. Unfortunately, the centre-back left early in the second half with an injury after blocking a shot in the box.
Alessandro Bastoni – 6
From his position as the left-sided centre-back, Bastoni was the best player on the pitch in the first half. The defender was confident and collected when pushing forward, creating chances for his side and playing incisive passes. However, he lost track of Luca Caldirola late in the match, and the centre-back converted the chance to give his side the lead.
Matteo Darmian – 7
Though he had a quieter match than his two cohorts, Darmian turned in a fine showing of his own. He was an active participant of Inter’s build-up play, and he defended well against the dangerous Gianluca Caprari.
Denzel Dumfries – 5
The wing-back flashed his technical abilities, but he struggled with the final ball in the attacking third. More than once, he created space with his footwork before firing a mis-hit cross out of play.
Robin Gosens – 6
On the left wing, Gosens turned in a decent performance. He progressed the ball well in the first half, but his form dropped significantly in the second.
Kristjan Asllani – 5.5
While Asllani was not tasked with venturing forward, his movement in the midfield was disappointing. The Albanian was too stagnant, failing to make runs or provide an option for his teammates. The overall lack of fluidity in the midfield caused Inter to turn the ball over more than once, allowing dangerous counters.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 4
Mkhitaryan struggled to influence Inter’s offense from the midfield, playing simple passes when he was on the ball. At one point, he received the ball unmarked in Monza’s box, but a terrible first touch let him down and allowed the visitors to close him out.
Nicolo Barella – 7
After a frustrating first half, Barella improved markedly in the second, moving rapidly throughout the midfield and creating attacks for his side.
Joaquin Correa – 6
Correa created several prime chances for his side, showing off skilled footwork, but he was unable to find the back of the net. Even though his form is improving, the striker has still not scored in league play since October.
Romelu Lukaku – 7
While Lukaku did not get many scoring opportunities, his link-up play was sublime. He combined well with the attackers around him, playing quick, one-touch football deep in Monza’s defensive third.
Bastoni's on-the-ball output is immense. Keeping possession, penetration, driving forward, crossing, he's something special. ?? pic.twitter.com/i3wDGkhPa9
— R.D. Football Scout (@RdScouting) April 11, 2023
Substitutes
Francesco Acerbi – 5.5
De Vrij’s departure from the match left the Inter backline more susceptible in the second half. Acerbi did not play poorly by any means, but his introduction saw a noticeable decline in defensive quality.