Simone Inzaghi won his fifth Supercoppa Italiana trophy as a manager as Inter snatched away a late 1-0 win against 10-man Napoli in the showpiece event on Monday. Giovanni Simeone’s expulsion midway through the second half tilted the scales of an evenly-contested encounter in Nerazzurri’s favor.
Inter booked the final date with an overwhelming 3-0 win against beleaguered Lazio and started the game as pre-match favorites. However, reigning Serie A holders Napoli went toe-to-toe with Simone Inzaghi’s side in the opening hour before Simeone’s red card turned the game into a one-way traffic.
Since the Argentine’s withdrawal, it was only a matter of time before Inter would get on the scoresheet. It seemed like Napoli could take the contest into extra time as their spirited performance produced several last-gasp clearances, continuing to frustrate the Serie A title hopefuls. Yet, when it mattered the most, Lautaro Martinez stepped up to the plate.
The runaway Serie A Golden Boot leader latched onto Benjamin Pavard’s cutback on the edge of the six-yard box, striking home a 91st-minute winner to inspire Inter to a second consecutive Supercoppa Italiana title. Reduced to ten men, Napoli failed to orchestrate a comeback down the final stretch as Inzaghi climbed to the podium for the fifth time.
Without further ado, let’s delve into our Inter player ratings.
Inter (3-5-2)
Yann Sommer – 6.5
Napoli’s relatively uneventful attacking performance, especially in the second half, saw the Swiss goalkeeper enjoy a field day in Riyadh. He only had to make one save tonight.
Benjamin Pavard – 7.5
The Frenchman is an absolute masterclass! In addition to providing a crucial assist to Martinez, the ex-Bayern Munich defender barely put his foot wrong in high-octane moments.
Stefan de Vrij – 6.5
Deployed at the center of Inzaghi’s backline, the Dutchman had another day in the office, largely thanks to his comrades’ electrifying performance. But he held up his end of the bargain, dominating his opponents in the air.
Francesco Acerbi – 7
Rolled back the years to make light work of Matteo Politano and Simeone, while his composure on the ball facilitated Inter’s attempts to build from the back.
Federico Dimarco – 7
Nearly broke the deadlock with a thunderous half-volley midway through the first half and kept the Napoli backline busy all night with his teasing crosses and trademark runs down the left flank.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 7
It feels like he has found another youth. Despite his age, the 35-year-old dominated his Napoli counterparts with tireless runs in the middle of the park and an exemplary work ethic.
Hakan Calhanoglu – 7.5
The Turks’ ability to control the tempo with impeccable passing and unparalleled vision stood out tonight as he pulled all the strings in the Inter midfield.
Nicolo Barella – 6
His energy was off the charts, yet his overwhelming desire to impress often led to rookie mistakes, including misplaced passes and wayward crosses.
Matteo Darmian – 6.5
Reliable when asked to defend as always, the versatile defender fared reasonably well against Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, which came at the expense of his attacking contribution.
Marcus Thuram – 6.5
Denied an assist for a clear offside position, the high-flying forward displayed flashes of his individual brilliance but failed to impact the play the way he wanted.
Latuaro Martinez – 7.5
He’s on the next level! Setting aside his stoppage-time winner, the Argentine showed why many consider him the most skilled center-forward in Italy. Virtually impossible to contend!
Substitutes
Carlos Augusto – 6.5
Davide Frattesi – 6
Marko Arnautovic – 5.5
Alexis Sanchez – 5
Yann Bisseck – N/A
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