With spectacular goals, end-to-end action, comebacks and controversy, the thrilling battle between Inter and Atalanta had it all. The hosts opened the scoring early on via Lautaro Martinez, but goals from Ruslan Malinovskyi and Rafael Toloi put the visitors in the lead before half time. Edin Dzeko snatched an equalizer for the Italian champions, but Federico Dimarco wasted a golden chance to score the winner from the spot. Roberto Piccoli’s late strike was ruled out by VAR, and thus, the two black and blue clubs shared the spoils in a mostly fair draw. So here are our player ratings for the Giuseppe Meazza clash between Inter and Atalanta.
Inter XI
Samir Handanovic – 5.5
The experienced shot-stopper made few decent interventions, including a save on Ilicic, but he will be disappointed for conceding thrice (even though he was saved by VAR on the last occasion). Denied Malinovskyi ahead of the second goal, but he should have parried the ball outside of the box.
Milan Skriniar – 6
The Slovakian was mostly solid, however, he gave Malinovskyi just enough space to unleash his strike and score the equalizer.
Stefan de Vrij – 5.5
The Dutchman committed Skriniar’s same mistake when he allowed Malinovskyi to shoot on the edge of the box on the second Atalanta goal. He also reacted slowly to Zapata’s run ahead of La Dea’s first goal.
Alessandro Bastoni – 5.5
The young defender was booked early on for pulling Pessina’s shirt, and this partially explains why Simone Inzaghi sacrificed him when he changed to a four-man defense.
Matteo Darmian – 6
The former Manchester United man played a significant part in the buildup for the opening goal, and managed to limit Gosens’ danger. However, his poor pass culminated in the visitor’s equalizer, and his manager brought him off in favor of the more dynamic Dumfries.
Nicolò Barella – 8
The Euro 2020 winner was the architect behind his side’s two goals. Put Lautaro through with a brilliant cross, and his run created the second half equalizer. He also had the upper-hand in his personal battle against Freuler.
Marcelo Brozovic – 6.5
The Croatian had a tough battle in the middle of the park, but his efforts helped Inter in dominating possession for the majority of the second half. Made a vital goal-saving clearance on Pessina.
Hakan Calhanoglu – 5
Hitting a freekick to the wall and wasting a dangerous counter attack with a poor pass. Those were the highlights of a disappointing performance from the Turkish midfielder who was also booked for a challenge on Pessina.
Ivan Perisic – 6
The former Bayern Munich man held his own against Zappacosta as he continues to improve defensively. However, he couldn’t truly lighten up the Beneamata’s left flank on the attacking level.
Lautaro Martinez – 7
The Argentine continued his impressive goal-scoring run with another stunning strike that left the keeper with no chance at all. Tried to add others in the second half, but ended up wasting some decent chances.
Edin Dzeko – 7
Reminiscently to his striking partner, the Bosnian put up a solid display and scored the equalizer for his team, but will also feel that he could have grabbed another one or two. His efforts in the middle of the park contributed to Lautaro’s goal.
Inter Substitutes
Denzel Dumfries – 5.5
Had one or two good runs to the box after coming in, but made little impact afterwards.
Matias Vecino – 6.5
Immediately improved the midfield after coming in, and almost scored with a header.
Federico Dimarco – 6
His shot resulted in Dzeko’s goal, and he could have been the hero for Inter fans, but instead hit the woodwork from the spot kick.
Alexis Sanchez – N/A
Matrin Satriano – N/A
10 – Ruslan Malinovskyi has scored 10 of his 17 Serie A goals with shots from outside the box: no player has netted more from outside the box since the Ukrainian joined the Italian top-flight, in 2019/20 campaign (10 also for Luis Muriel). Hyperspace.#InterAtalanta pic.twitter.com/6GvH8b8FgB
— OptaPaolo ? (@OptaPaolo) September 25, 2021
Atalanta XI
Juan Musso – 6.5
The Argentine had absolutely no chance against Lautaro’s early goal, but made some good saves that kept his side in the match afterwards.
Rafael Toloi – 7
The Italo-Brazilian maintained his composure when he found himself in front of goal, giving his side the lead, and fought hard against Inter’s strikers
Merih Demiral – 4.5
Another Turkish international who underperformed throughout the encounter. The defender never inspired confidence and always appeared to arrive second for the ball. Gave away a penalty kick with an inexplicable handball, but he can count himself lucky that Dimarco wasted it.
José Luis Palomino – 6.5
The Argentine was mostly solid, and made a decisive interception early in the second half. Won the ball that led to La Dea’s first goal.
Davide Zappacosta – 6
The former Chelsea wingback tried to cause havoc from the right flank, but was mostly denied by Perisic and Bastoni. But still had a role in Atalanta’s second goal.
Remo Freuler – 5.5
The Swiss played Lautaro onside for the first goal of the evening, and had a tough time when dealing with Barella.
Marten de Roon – 6.5
The former Middlesbrough man might not be the most talented midfielder, but his high work rate is always needed. Retrieved the ball back for his team on some occasions, and even threatened Inter’s goal with a shot from the outside.
Robin Gosens – 5.5
A relatively quiet performance from the usually-vibrant German. Tried some crosses to the box, but his current form is still far from last season’s.
Matteo Pessina – 6.5
An energetic performance from the Italian who caused problems for Bastoni with his fast sprints. Was taken off the pitch as Gian Piero Gasperini decided to insert some flesh blood into the team.
Ruslan Malinovskyi – 8
The Ukrainian put on a sublime display for as long as he lasted on the pitch. Brought his side back to the match with a splendid strike from the outside, and his shot allowed Toloi to pounce on the rebound. Almost scored the third for Atalanta but was denied by the post. Easily the man of the match.
Duvana Zapata – 6.5
The Colombian was expected to face difficult times as a lone striker facing three brilliant defenders. However, he put on a decent shift and tried to set up his teammates on some occasions. Provided the assist for Malinovskyi.
Atalanta Substitutes
Josip Ilicic – 6
Entered the match when Inter were the better side, but he threatened Handanovic with long-range shots and helped in the buildup for Piccoli’s disallowed goal.
Berat Djimsiti – 6
Added some much-needed fresh legs to the defense.
Roberto Piccoli – 6
The young Atalanta striker thought he had scored the winner when he wrong-footed the Inter goalkeeper, but was unfortunate to be denied by VAR.
Joakim Maehle – N/A
Mario Pasalic – N/A
Triple whistle?: draw between @Inter_en and @Atalanta_BC, final result: 2️⃣-2️⃣! ⚡#InterAtalanta #SerieA ?#WeAreCalcio pic.twitter.com/mmf2eq5SnV
— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) September 25, 2021