Serie A leaders Inter left it late to beat relegation-battling Hellas Verona 2-1 at Giuseppe Meazza in their opening league fixture of 2024. The Lombard faithful witnessed unreal scenes in stoppages as Simone Inzaghi’s side posted a seventh straight home league victory against Gialloblu in memorable fashion.
Inter captain Lautaro Martinez broke the deadlock in the 13th minute. Henrikh Mkhitaryan played the ball into his stride, with the leading Serie A goalscorer beating Verona goalkeeper Lorenzo Montipo with a splendid first-time finish.
Martinez thought he grabbed his second at the start of the second half, but referee Michael Fabbri ruled it out for offside in the build-up. Inter seemed to be in cruising control of proceedings when a lapse of concentration allowed Thomas Henry to level the score with a fortunate goal.
Second-half substitute Davide Frattesi restored Inter’s lead in stoppage time, but it wasn’t the end of a dramatic contest at Meazza. Despite waving play on at first glance, Fabbri gave Verona a spot-kick in the 100th minute for a foul committed by Francesco Acerbi.
Henry stepped up to take the penalty but smashed his effort into the post. After weathering a late storm, Inter moved five points clear of second-placed Juventus as we look at our player ratings.
Inter (3-5-2)
Yann Sommer – 6
With Inter defenders holding up their end of the bargain, the Swiss goalkeeper had another day in the office. Besides several comfortable pickups, he only had to make one save to deny Milan Djuric’s close-range header. Helpless for the goal!
Alessandro Bastoni – 7
As his form resurgence strengthens his bid to reach Italy’s Euro 2024 squad, the left-footed center-back delivered another assuring performance, defending against Cyril Ngonge and Ondrej Duda with authority.
Francesco Acerbi – 5
It was a near-spotless showing from the experienced defender before Henry gave him a slip to draw Verona level, overshadowing all his previous good deeds. On top of that, he committed an injury-time penalty.
Benjamin Pavard – 7
Though it looked like he wasn’t 100% fit, the Frenchman put a shift in to keep the visiting side at arm’s length for most of the game.
Denzel Dumfries – 6
Yet to regain full fitness, the Dutch wing-back stuttered in the first half, frequently being disposed of the ball easily despite finding himself in promising positions.
Nicolo Barella – 6.5
Apart from a typically energetic approach and admirable work rate, the Italian midfielder had nothing to show for it as he largely struggled to impact the game.
Hakan Calhanoglu – 7
Unfortunate to see his mid-range effort fly a whisker wide of the post, the ex-Milan playmaker failed to bolster his stats but still played a pivotal role in the build-up play.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 5.5
Far less influential than his fellow midfield comrades, the Inter veteran would want to forget this game as quickly as possible.
Carlos Augusto – 6
Inzaghi handed him a rare chance to start in Serie A, but the Monza loanee did almost nothing to repay that trust. Often caught in two minds, he made some poor choices, while his crosses were always way off the mark.
Marcus Thuram – 7
The highly-rated forward wasn’t a genuine attacking threat to Lorenzo Montipo. However, his strength, stamina, ball-carrying ability, and constant movement cause Verona defenders all sorts of problems.
Lautaro Martinez – 7.5
Back on the scoresheet immediately upon his return to the starting lineup with a delightful finish with the outside of his boot, the Inter captain was unlucky to see his second of the day disallowed for offside in the build-up. Displayed some fancy footwork on several occasions.
Substitutes
Matteo Darmian – 6.5
Federico Dimarco – 5.5
Marko Arnautovic – 3
Davide Frattesi – 7
Alexis Sanchez – 5.5
 |
Follow us on Google News for more updates on Serie A and Italian football |
mikitaryan was the most influential player on the field he provided the asset for Lautaro he deserved 8