At the Stadio Olimpico, Roma hosted Inter in one of the top clashes of Serie A Round 16. The reigning champions dominated the home side from start to finish, as José Mourinho’s men had no answer for the visitors’ sublime gameplay. Hakan Calhanoglu scored from a direct corner kick, before assisting Edin Dzeko for the second. Alessandro Bastoni delivered a brilliant cross that was met by Denzel Dumfries, allowing the Nerazzurri to seal the win within less than a half. A stagnant second period saw the match ending 3-0 in favor of Simone Inzaghi’s men. So here are our player ratings for the one-sided encounter between Roma and Inter.
Roma XI
Rui Patricio – 5.5
The Portuguese veteran should have dealt better with Hakan’s corner kick, and his side was never able to recover from that fumble. Did well to deny another goal for Dzeko, but at that point, the damage was already done.
Gianluca Mancini – 5.5
The former Atalanta man fought hard and tried to burst forward at times to support his teammates in attack, but struggled to contain Correa’s threat for the largest part.
Chris Smalling – 6
The former Manchester United man was perhaps the best of the disappointing defensive bunch. Made some decent interceptions and kept his composure, even though his concentration level dropped down by the end of the match.
Marash Kumbulla – 5
After being put on Mourinho’s blacklist following the famous humiliation in Norway, the Kosovan youngster didn’t do himself any favors with his performance tonight. Lost Dzeko ahead of the second goal and couldn’t inspire confidence at the back.
Roger Ibanez – 5
The Brazilian was thrusted in an usual wingback role in the absence of Rick Karsdorp, and was second best to Perisic for start to finish.
Jordan Veretout – 5
The former Fiorentina man is usually one of the most influential players for Roma in the middle of the park, but couldn’t make himself noticed at all against Inter. Completely lost the battle in the midfield.
Bryan Cristante – 5.5
The Euro 2020 winner was one of the Giallorossi players who were left dazzled by the Nerazzurri’s passing game that led to the second goal. Supported the defensive front which was about to fully collapse, but didn’t do much to his side’s gameplay.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 5.5
The Armenian played in a deeper role than usual. Tried to threaten the champions with few runs, but was mostly left frustrated by Brozovic who was always present to snatch the ball from his feet.
Matias Vina – 5.5
The Uruguayan started on a high note, pulling off a brilliant solo run, but his performance went completely south afterwards. Dumfries easily escaped him before scoring the third goal.
Nicolò Zaniolo – 6
The young Italian was one of the few Roma players who tried to get something going, and he almost grabbed one back in the second half, but his shot whistled past the post.
Eldor Shomurodov – 5
A frustrating evening for the former Genoa man who couldn’t fill Tammy Abraham’s large shoes and was easily dealt with by the Inter defenders. Perhaps he’s not fit for the center forward role.
Roma Substitutes
Edoardo Bove – 5.5
The youngster was introduced to help in the middle of the park, but his teammates had lost confidence and desire at that point.
Cristian Volpato -N/A
18 – Inter have scored in 18 #SerieA away games in a row: they equalled their record set between October 1950 and September 1951. Corsair.#RomaInter
— OptaPaolo ? (@OptaPaolo) December 4, 2021
Inter XI
Samir Handanovic – 6
The Slovenian’s gloves weren’t needed at all on Saturday evening, as Roma failed to pose a real threat beside few half-chances.
Danilo D’Ambrosio – 6.5
The former Torino defender is Inzaghi’s utility man, and proved to be reliable as ever. Helped in marking Shomurodov out of the match, and almost never put a foot wrong throughout the evening.
Milan Skriniar – 7
In the absence of Stefan de Vrij, the Slovakian acted as the Beneamta’s defensive leader, and proved to be a nightmare for Shomurodov and company who never stood a chance against him.
Alessandro Bastoni – 7.5
A brilliant performance from the young center back who keeps growing with every passing match. Made some decisive interceptions in the air, but most of all, he caught the eye for his ever-improving attacking prowess. Played a hand in the second Inter goal, before providing a stunning assist for Dumfries.
Denzel Dumfries – 7
Speaking of the Dutchman, his start was a bit slow, but he then grew with the match. Denied Vina’s shot with a vital block, and sealed the match for Inter with a third goal from a wonderful finish. Slowly but surely working towards filling Achraf Hakimi’s shoes.
Nicolò Barella – 5.5
The former Cagliari man worked hard for sure, but this was far from being his best performance, and was outshone by the majority of his teammates. Conceded a needless yellow card, and made way for Vidal early in the second half.
Marcelo Brozovic – 7
Another masterful performance from the man who’s arguably the league’s best Regista at the moment. The Croatian continues to drop deep and help his side play from the back, while also playing a major role in retrieving the ball. A midfielder that every manager wishes to have at his disposal.
Hakan Calhanoglu – 7.5
The Turkish playmaker used both his luck and shrewdness to score a rare goal from a direct corner kick. But the former Milan man then excellently combined with his teammates before delivering a smart assist to Dzeko’s goal.
Ivan Perisic – 7
The former Wolfsburg winger was one of the several Inter players who contributed in the second goal. Delivered fabulous crosses to the Roma box, and was perhaps unlucky not to have an assist to his name.
Joaquin Correa – 6
The former Lazio forward was left with a muscular injury in the second half, but had already done a decent job in the first period. Combined well with Dzeko on some occasions.
Edin Dzeko – 7
The Bosnian refused to celebrate in front of his old supporters after scoring with a clinical finish, but he was nonetheless willing to grab another one or two, but was denied by Patricio on one occasion. His strength and movement inside the box are always key for his side.
Inter Substitutes
Alexis Sanchez – 6
The former Arsenal star tried to make a statement, but couldn’t find the target.
Arturo Vidal – 6
The Chilean helped Inter in further controlling the action and was close to adding to Roma’s misery.
Matias Vecino – N/A
Federico Dimarco – N/A
Stefano Sensi – N/A