Runaway Serie A leaders Inter confirmed their Scudetto credentials with a stunning 4-2 comeback win against Roma at the Stadio Olimpico. Despite lagging behind Giallorossi at halftime, Simone Inzaghi’s side showcased their winning mentality in the second half to turn the game on its head.
The Olimpico crowd enjoyed a spectacle on a rainy night in the capital, with one of the most sought-after Serie A fixtures exceeding expectations. Inter grabbed the lead through Francesco Acerbi’s incredible half-volley but went into the break on the back foot.
Roma restored parity through Gianluca Mancini. Unmarked around the penalty spot, the Italian defender headed home Lorenzo Pellegrini’s perfect free-kick delivery. Daniele De Rossi’s team completed the turnaround on the stroke of halftime.
Stephan El Shaarawy hammered a thunderous left-footed finish off the post and in to send Inter into the dressing room scratching their heads. However, Nerazzurri were in no mood to drop points after beating Juventus last weekend.
Inzaghi needed a hero, and Marcus Thuram stepped up to the plate. The Frenchman netted an unanswered double in a blitz to fire Inter 3-2 up inside the opening 11 minutes of the second half. But it wasn’t the visitors’ last say as Alessandro Bastoni nailed down another victory in stoppages.
Let’s look at our Inter ratings.
Inter (3-5-2)
Yann Sommer – 6.5
Despite several outstanding saves to thwart Roma’s early attempts, the Swiss goalkeeper failed to keep a clean sheet for the first time in five games. In his defense, he was helpless in both situations.
Alessandro Bastoni – 6.5
There’s an argument he could’ve done better for Roma’s first goal, but he was impressive for the rest of the match, especially in physical battles against Romelu Lukaku.
Francesco Acerbi – 7
In addition to a spectacular goal to open the scoring, the veteran defender was equal to the task at the back, excelling in the air while keeping his tackles clean.
Benjamin Pavard – 6
Not as good as his other defensive colleagues, but made various crucial clearances to avert the danger, especially in the second half.
Matteo Darmian – 7
Those doubting Inzaghi’s choice to play the Italian ahead of Denzel Dumfries couldn’t be more wrong. Rock-solid in defense against Angelino, he even showed glimpses of his attacking talent.
Nicolo Barella – 7
His admirable work ethic and tireless runs in the middle of the park often made the difference against Roma’s relatively immobile midfield.
Hakan Calhanoglu – 6.5
His composure on the ball gives Inter the freedom to build from the back and maintain possession under pressure, but his attacking aspirations came at a premium.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 6
Perhaps intimidated by the atmosphere at his former home, the Armenian delivered a sluggish performance, failing to impact the play as he did against Juventus.
Federico Dimarco – 6
Atypically quiet on the left side, the Italian defender often paid more attention to dealing with Paulo Dybala’s attacking threat than creating chances on the opposite end of the field.
Lautaro Martinez – 5.5
There’s no doubt De Rossi studied the Argentine’s game as his tactics neutralized the most prolific Serie A forward.
Marcus Thuram – 8
Though his second goal was eventually deemed Angelino’s own goal, his second-half blitzkrieg decided the fixture, as Roma couldn’t cope with his attacking prowess.
Substitutes
Stefan de Vrij – 6.5
Carlos Augusto – 6
Denzel Dumfries – 6
Marko Arnautovic – 7
Alexis Sanchez – N/A
 |
Follow us on Google News for more updates on Serie A and Italian football |