Inter ran riot at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino, beating out-of-form Torino 3-0 in response to a shock slip-up to Bologna before the international break. All three goals came in the second half as Nerazzurri condemned their hosts to a fourth consecutive scoring blank in Serie A.
Simone Inzaghi’s men were seeking redemption for dropping a two-goal lead in a gut-wrenching 2-2 draw against Bologna last time out. However, they found chances hard to come by in the opening 45 minutes despite boasting more possession of the ball.
Torino headed into proceedings on a three-game scoring drought in Serie A. Their well-documented conversion problems haunted them again in the first half as they squandered several decent chances to take the lead.
Ivan Juric’s lads were often behind the ball but looked dangerous on the counter. Demba Seck and Pietro Pellegri had promising opportunities, but Yann Sommer came out on top each time.
Inter made Torino pay dearly for their first-half profligacy. Minutes after coming off the bench, Denzel Dumfries picked out Marcus Thuram on the edge of the box. The ex-Borussia Monchengladbach forward latched on to the cut-back and smashed the ball into the far bottom corner to break the deadlock in the 59th minute.
Thuram’s goal changed the dynamics, allowing Inter to move forward more freely. Only nine minutes since taking the lead, Inzaghi’s men moved 2-0 up as Lautaro Martinez’s close-range header rippled the back of the net after Hakan Calhanoglu’s perfect corner-kick delivery. The Turk capped off Inter’s overwhelming win with another goal from te spot in the 95th minute.
Inter (3-5-2)
Yann Sommer – 7
Had to make several demanding saves to deny Torino’s attempt from long-range in the first half and was up to the task every time.
Benjamin Pavard – 6.5
Another rock-solid performance from the marquee summer signing! But had to leave the field earlier as Inter needed to move the lines up in pursuit of the opening goal.
Stefan de Vrij – 6.5
Had several lapses of concentration in the opening 45 minutes but grew into the contest as the game progressed.
Francesco Acerbi – 6.5
A lack of pace troubled the aging defender against Torino’s quick-moving frontline. Flicked the ball to the far post with a glancing header to set up Martinez for the second.
Federico Dimarco – 5.5
Undoubtedly one of his weakest performances of the season. Lost track of lightning-fast Seck numerous times and failed to make amends in the final third. Should’ve left the pitch sooner.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 6.5
Despite putting a shift in, had nothing to show for it. Made several sloppy passes when he should have done better. Drew a penalty deep into stoppage time with a blistering run to improve the overall image.
Hakan Calhanoglu – 7
Toothless in the first half! Never had any real impact on the game and seemed tired and out of steam. However, his set-piece deliveries were impressive. Plus, converted a late penalty to put the icing on the cake.
Nicolo Barella – 6
Being subjected to heavy criticism for lackluster showings for Italy during the international break has done nothing to reignite the midfielder’s form. Received a booking for a reckless tackle on Perr Schuurs.
Matteo Darmian – 6
Playing as a wing-back doesn’t suit him as covering a center-back role. His defensive game was spot on. Attacking-wise, nowhere to be seen. No wonder Inzaghi took him out before the hour mark. Improved since dropping back.
Marcus Thuram – 7.5
Following a relatively quiet first half, the Frenchman showcased his master class with a brilliant first-time finish from the edge of the box. Such a difference-maker!
Lautaro Martinez – 6.5
A near-anonymous first-half display from the captain! However, you cannot expect the most prolific Serie A striker to spend the entire game in stealth mode. Headed home from point-blank to put the game to bed.
Substitutes
Carlos Augusto – 6
Brought some energy to the left flank but struggled for the end product.
Denzel Dumfries – 7
Set Thuram on a silver platter moments after coming on. Did more in his first few minutes on the field than Darmian in almost an hour of play.
Davide Frattesi – 5.5
Took Barella’s place but offered no improvement.
Davy Klassen – N/A
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