An atmosphere fitting of the occasion in what was a tense match that provided an excellent battle at a high intensity. A low fog cocooned around the famous Giuseppe Meazza for another big Champions League night in Milan.
The ghost of Antonio Conte was still present at the San Siro as Inter demonstrated a resolute and resilient performance. The spark of Filippo Inzaghi still shone through, especially in the second half as Inter were fast out of the blocks. Nonetheless, the Nerazzurri succumbed to defeat as Roberto Firmino put Liverpool in front with a fantastic header in the second half before Mo Salah put Liverpool two up late on.
It was an end-to-end game in the first half with good intensity and intense battles throughout. Inter defended well and looked to hit on the counter. Liverpool did well to stop the threat on the break as there were very few chances for either side that challenged Handanovic or Alisson. Neither side registered a shot on target in the first half.
Inter were on the front foot in the second half as Liverpool were under pressure from the off. It seemed as though they took confidence from their first half performance as they had Liverpool on the rocks early on in the second forty five. However, Klopp’s substitutions in the second half took the sting out of the Inter threat as the Reds looked to get back into the match.
Liverpool managed to keep themselves in the match and limited Inter’s threat as they failed to register a single shot on target, allowing Klopp’s men to capitalise late on and snatch the win. So, let’s get into our player ratings for a fascinating match in Milan.
Inter
Samir Handanovic – 6
Could do very little about the two goals conceded and had little to do otherwise.
Milan Skriniar – 7.5
Made a couple of strong challenges early on, with the Slovakian really up for the match. Inter’s best defender as they were excellent at the back for the majority of the match.
Stefan De Vrij – 7
Ever present in the sturdy Inter defense, making a couple of good challenges and blocks, as well as being strong in the air.
Alessandro Bastoni – 7
Looked composed in possession and strong at the back alongside De Vrij and Skriniar.
Denzel Dumfries – 6.5
Looked to provide width for Inter, occupying his usual role at right wing-back but was quiet going forward. Defended fairly well, however.
Arturo Vidal – 7.5
Tenacious as ever in the midfield battle and put in a number of strong challenges. Could have been better in possession, however.
Marcelo Brozovic – 7
Sat deeper than his midfield counter-parts, offering a passing option and extra defensive protection. Won a few good challenges and played a few good long balls from deep to try and launch the counter for the hosts.
Hakan Calhanoglu – 7.5
Struck the bar with a good effort from inside the area against the run of play, nearly giving Inter the lead, in what was the best chance in the first half. Made a vital clearance to stop a cross from Elliott that was heading straight towards Salah in a dangerous position. Looked tidy in possession.
Ivan Perisic – 7
Provided width down the left flank for Inter and nearly assisted the opening goal but Calhanoglu’s effort struck the bar. Inter progressed well down the left flank, with not much happening down the right offensively. The Croatian veteran was at the heart of all things creative for Inter.
Lautaro Martinez – 6.5
Decent effort inside the opening five minutes but flashed past the post. Lead the Inter attack well and looked a threat when given the opportunity.
Edin Dzeko – 6
Struggled to get involved too much here and had to drop deep to help out the defense at times, also to get on the ball. However, did pick the ball up in some good positions in the second half.
Substitutions
Alexis Sanchez – 5
Struggled to get involved when he came on.
Matteo Darmian – N/A
Roberto Gagliardini – N/A
Andrea Ranocchia – N/A
Federico Dimarco – N/A
Sides to beat AC Milan and Inter at the San Siro this season:
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— William Hill (@WilliamHill) February 16, 2022
Liverpool
Alisson – 6.5
Commanding with any aerial duels and good with the ball at his feet. Inter did not register a single effort on goal so the Brazilian had very little to do.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 6
Wasn’t able to get as far forward as usual and struggled to deal with the threat of Perisic. Not the best of performances for the 23-year-old but was never in too much trouble.
Ibrahima Konate – 7
Made an important interception to stop a ball in from Dumfries in the first half as Dzeko was lurking behind the defender. Put in a few good challenges throughout in what was a solid performance.
Virgil van Dijk – 8
Looked calm and composed, dealt with any threat comfortably throughout. Demonstrated excellent speed to catch up Edin Dzeko who was bursting through on goal late on in the first forty five. Provided the assist for Salah’s goal with a well won header.
Andrew Robertson – 7.5
Looked to get forward and provide an offensive option down the left flank – a key indicator of Klopp’s attacking intent still in place, despite the tough fixture. Provided the assist from a corner for Firmino’s goal.
Thiago – 7
Won a few good challenges in the midfield and was fairly accurate in possession. A tough midfield fight for the Spaniard but he held his own well.
Fabinho – 6.5
Did well in the midfield battle in the first half, breaking up the play in the Inter midfield excellently and offering a strong presence. However, lost control in the second half before being subbed off for Jordan Henderson.
Harvey Elliott – 6.5
Return after his recent injury, big show of faith from Jurgen Klopp in the 18-year-old, occupying the left hand side of central midfield. Looked comfortable and showed good composure but lost control as Inter came out flying in the second half.
Mohamed Salah – 7
Looked a threat early on, driving into the box and making things happen as usual. A fairly quiet night, for the Egyptian’s standards, up against a resolute Inter defense for the most part, but doubled the visitors lead with a good finish late on.
Diogo Jota – 5.5
Picked up some nice pockets of space in the opening quarter of the match, driving with the ball through the center of the pitch. Failed to make much of an impact on the game before being subbed off at half time for Roberto Firmino.
Sadio Mane – 6
Had a great chance to take the lead, getting on the end of a free kick by Robertson at the back post, but his header sailed over the bar. Also had another chance in the box but his overhead kick went wide.
Substitutions
Roberto Firmino – 7
Dropped deep as he occupied his usual false nine position when he came on at half time. Opened the scoring with a fantastic header at the front post following a corner by Andrew Robertson.
Luis Diaz – 7
Tried to make things happen when he came on and looked sharp. Got into a good position around the hour mark but his effort was blocked.
Jordan Henderson – 6.5
Helped stabilise the midfield when Inter were threatening at the beginning of the second half.
Naby Keita – 6.5
Did well to help restore balance in the midfield alongside Henderson.