Serie A champions Inter picked up a nerve-shredding 1-0 UEFA Champions League victory against Young Boys. Despite failing to impress in Bern, the Nerazzurri posted another European triumph, courtesy of Marcus Thuram’s last-gasp strike.
Artificial turf in the Stadion Wankdorf gave Young Boys a significant head start. Inter struggled to adapt to the new surroundings, leading to a dreadful first-half performance. Simone Inzaghi’s significant personnel changes didn’t help either.
After producing just one shot on target in the opening 45 minutes, Inter found their rhythm after the break. However, Young Boys had the first clear-cut chance in the second half as Joel Monteiro hit the post after drifting past several Nerazzurri defenders.
Shortly after being saved by the woodwork, Inter had a golden opportunity to break the deadlock. But Marko Arnautovic failed to convert a penalty, with David von Ballmoos thwarting his attempt from the spot. Aware of the gravity of the situation, Inzaghi brought in heavy artillery from the bench.
It didn’t help Inter as Young Boys continued to threaten Yann Sommer’s goal on the counter. Meanwhile, the visitors failed to create much in the front third despite assuming control of possession. When it looked like the Swiss champions would take an unexpected point, Thuram showed up to save the day.
The in-form Frenchman pounced on Federico Dimarco’s teasing cross to inspire Inter to an all-important win in second-half stoppages. Without further ado, let’s look at our player ratings.
Inter (3-5-2)
Yann Sommer – 7.5
It’s not random that Xherdan Shaqiri told Young Boys they would hardly score against the Swiss veteran before the game. He was outstanding!
Yann Bisseck – 7
Slotted in for Alessandro Bastoni, the German youngster showed glimpses of his talent and nearly scored in the first half.
Stefan de Vrij – 6.5
You’d expect a defender of his quality to have a field day against sub-par opposition, yet the Dutchman wasn’t always up to the task.
Benjamin Pavard – 6.5
His pace and reading of the game helped Inter stop Young Boys’ counter-attacks after the break. However, he had several lapses of concentration in the first half.
Carlos Augusto – 6
It’s fair to say he failed to seize the opportunity in a rare competitive start this season. What’s worse, he picked up an injury midway through the second half.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 6
Another disappointing night for the aging Armenian star saw him struggle to impact proceedings despite working off his socks in the opening third.
Nicolo Barella – 6.5
Deployed as a deep-lying playmaker in Hakan Calhanoglu’s absence, the Italy international was the beating heart of Inter’s midfield tonight, delivering another energetic showing.
Davide Frattesi – 6
Apart from several attempted forward runs in the first half, the often-talismanic midfielder couldn’t find his footing on a synthetic pitch.
Denzel Dumfries – 6.5
In addition to drawing a penalty for Inter, the Dutch wingback was the only threatening figure in the visiting team before the heavy-hitters joined the fray.
Mehdi Taremi – 5.5
After almost single-handedly beating Red Star Belgrade, the Iranian striker didn’t do anything noteworthy in Bern.
Marko Arnautovic – 4
It’s hard to remember the last time he failed to score from the spot. It perhaps best summarizes his night.
Substitutes
Federico Dimarco – 7
Lautaro Martinez – 6.5
Piotr Zielinski – 6.5
Marcus Thuram – 7.5
Alessandro Bastoni – 6.5
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