Serie A debutants Monza held title-bidding Inter to an enthralling 2-2 draw at the Stadio Brianteo, courtesy of a last-gasp equalizer. Despite enjoying the lead for most of the game, Simone Inzaghi’s men paid the price for missing numerous chances.
Inter took the lead early on as Matteo Darmian latched onto Alessandro Bastoni’s cross on the far post, turning home from point-blank. However, the visitors’ celebrations were short-lived as Monza hit back almost immediately through Patrick Ciurria, who danced past a couple of challenges before unleashing an unstoppable effort into the far bottom corner.
Back into the starting lineup for the first time after his World Cup exploits with Argentina, Lautaro Martinez returned to the scoresheet. The versatile forward robbed Pablo Mari of the ball inside Monza’s box to give Inter another lead in the 22nd minute. Inzaghi’s men carried a slim advantage into the second half, forcing their hosts to push forward in numbers.
Raffaele Palladino’s side tried to restore stalemate, but it often left too much space behind, allowing Inter to hurt them on the counter. Unfortunately for the Nerazzurri, they were incapable of scoring the third, which came back and haunted them in the final moments of this exciting match.
Second-half substitute Denzel Dumfries scored an unfortunate own goal in the 93rd minute, gifting Monza a point. And while the top-flight newcomers improved their chances of securing survival, Inter’s bid to win the Scudetto took a massive blow just days after beating pacesetters Napoli 1-0 at home.
Inter (3-5-2)
Andre Onana – 4
Maybe he could’ve done better to prevent Ciurria from scoring in the first half, but he still provided safety on several occasions. Yet he must improve his skills with the ball at his feet if Inter are to build from the back.
Milan Skriniar – 4
Not one of his best performances for the Nerazzurri this season, as he often looked uncomfortable dealing with Andre Petagna’s intimidating physical presence inside the box.
Alessandro Bastoni – 5.5
The in-demand defender delivered a pinpoint assist to Darmian for the opening goal and continued to play a significant role in the build-up plays. But his defending wasn’t as spot on.
Francesco Acerbi – 4
Whether it was his age or a lack of match fitness, the veteran center-back seemed up the creek without a paddle for most of the night.
Federico Dimarco – 5.5
Another energetic performance from the attacking-minded left-back as he was one of Inter’s liveliest players from the get-go, continually offering himself in the final third.
Hakan Calhanoglu – 4.5
It was one of those nights for the Turkey international when he couldn’t get along with the ball. Too slow to react in various situations, the ex-Milan midfielder flopped at Briateo.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 4
Maybe Inzaghi should consider benching the Armenian for a while. Wayward passing and rusty feet highlighted another subpar performance from the playmaker.
Nicolo Barella – 5.5
Perhaps the most electrifying figure on the pitch, Barella ran the midfield as usual, though he will be kicking himself for making poor judgments when he should’ve done better.
Matteo Darmian – 6.5
In addition to the goal, the Italian right-back had Monza at sixes and sevens time and time again, with his darting runs giving constant depth to Inter’s attacks on the right-hand side.
Edin Dzeko – 5
Not as nearly as effective as he was against Napoli, but the Bosnian still showed plenty of composure to bring his offensive teammates into play and create spaces alongside the frontline.
Lautaro Martinez – 6.5
The World Cup winner marked his return to the starting XI with flying colors, however, his finishing let him down one too many times.
Substitutes
Romelu Lukaku – 4
Another woeful display for the big Belgian, who did nothing to prove Inzaghi wrong for putting him back on the bench in favor of Martinez.
Kristjan Asllani – 3.5
If he was supposed to be Inter’s new midfield metronome, Beppe Marotta has to dive back into the market this winter.
Roberto Gagliardini – 4
Decent with the ball at his feet but much better at winning it back, the deep-lying midfielder held up his end of the bargain and did a fine job interrupting Monza’s attack numerous times.
Denzel Dumfries – 3
Scored an own goal and failed to make the difference when Inter had opportunities to catch Monza on the break.
Robin Gosens – NA
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