Inter let a narrow lead slip through their fingers late in a keenly-contested 1-1 draw against Scudetto holders Napoli on Sunday night. A mix of fatigue and disappointment after a midweek Champions League fiasco caught up with the runaway Serie A leaders, resulting in an apathetic performance.
Simone Inzaghi’s side looked exhausted after a frustrating penalty shoot-out loss to Atletico Madrid on Wednesday. But though Inter were not at their best, they still grabbed a first-half opener through an unlikely source. Matteo Darmian slotted home Alessandro Bastoni’s low cross to give Nerazzurri the lead at halftime.
For whatever reason, Inzaghi’s men relinquished their attacking aspirations in the second half, relying on their rock-solid backline to shoulder the burden for the rest of the game. But, like in Madrid a few days ago, Inter conceded late as their ex-defender, Juan Jesus, found himself unmarked at the back post, heading home from point blank to steal a point for Napoli.
As a result, Inter will enter March’s international break 14 points clear of second-placed Milan, who thrashed Hellas Verona 3-1 earlier today. Without further ado, let’s look at our player ratings.
Inter (3-5-2)
Yann Sommer – 6
There was nothing he could’ve done to stop Napoli from leveling the score, but other than that, he didn’t have to make a single noteworthy intervention tonight.
Alessandro Bastoni – 6.5
Had the misfortune to flick the ball straight into Jesus’ path, helping Napoli restore parity after an impressive showing on both ends of the field.
Francesco Acerbi – 6
Engaged in a personal battle with Giacomo Raspadori for most of the first half, the veteran showed tremendous physical strength to fend off the diminutive Italian. However, Jesus slipped his mark to net the equalizer.
Benjamin Pavard – 6.5
His fragile legs might have let him down again as Inzaghi had to withdraw him at halftime, even though he enjoyed a decent first half against Napoli’s relatively uneventful frontline.
Federico Dimarco – 6
Perhaps he set the benchmark too high this season because tonight’s performance was the one he would want to forget in a hurry. Wayward crossing from one of Serie A’s best delivery men.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 6.5
Had too many erratic passes and awkward decisions in the first half, especially in situations where Inter could’ve done more in front of Alex Meret’s goal.
Hakan Calhanoglu – 6
Too quiet for his standards!
Nicolo Barella – 6.5
The only Inter midfielder with a genuine ambition to do something concrete on the opposition’s half. But had nothing to show for it.
Matteo Darmian – 7.5
A stunning performance from the experienced right-back! Fared exceptionally well against Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and even got the goal to open the scoring.
Marcus Thuram – 6
Cut off from the rest of the pack for most of the game, the Frenchman tried to get involved but to no avail.
Lautaro Martinez – 6.5
Despite attempting two shots on target, the Argentine never had a clear-cut chance to beat Meret. Yet, he demonstrated his class on several occasions.
Substitutes
Yann Bisseck – 6.5
Davide Frattesi – 6
Alexis Sanchez – 5.5
Denzel Dumfries – 6
Tajon Buchanan – N/A
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