Inter Player Ratings vs Napoli: Dimarco Masterpiece Insufficient | OneFootball

Inter dropped a precious lead down the final stretch of Saturday’s intense Serie A top-table six-pointer against Napoli. The two sides shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw, leaving the Scudetto race wide open.

Inter headed into proceedings fresh off dispatching Lazio in the Coppa Italia to set up a mouth-watering semi-final tie against fellow San Siro rivals Milan. However, Inter’s recent league form has been far from electrifying, with Simone Inzaghi’s charges alternating between winning and losing across their last four Serie A outings.

However, Federico Dimarco’s out-of-this-world free-kick fired the reigning Scudetto holders to a perfect start at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. There was plenty of tempo for the rest of the first half but very few scoring opportunities, especially for Inter, as the Italian wingback’s wonder goal separated the two teams at halftime.

Inzaghi wanted to defend the slender lead at all costs after the break, leading to Inter’s defensive approach and time-wasting tactics in a disgraceful second-half showing. The visitors got punished for their cowardice as Philip Billing drew Napoli level in the 87th minute.

Inter (3-5-2)

Josep Martinez – 7

Untested until the 65th minute, Yann Sommer’s heir pulled off a decisive save to deny Scott McTominay’s thunderbolt from the edge of the box.

Alessandro Bastoni – 7.5

Referee Daniele Doveri unfathomably refused to show him an early yellow for pulling back Matteo Politano. However, he grew into the contest and made a vital block to deny Lukaku from point-blank range.

Francesco Acerbi – 6

Often outmuscled and out-positioned by Lukaku, the veteran center-back had a rough game. One of his weakest performances this season.

Yann Bisseck – 7

Inzaghi’s decision to bench Benjamin Pavard for the German defender proved spot-on. His athleticism and spatial awareness helped plug all the leaks at the back.

Federico Dimarco – 7.5

His free-kick to open the scoring was a pure piece of art – an utter brilliance! Furthermore, the Italian wingback was an omnipresent threat on the left wing. Unfortunately, an injury forced him off in the 51st minute.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 6

The Armenian’s first-touch football reduced mistakes to a bare minimum, yet his offensive contribution was non-existent.

Hakan Calhanoglu – 5.5

It feels like the Turk isn’t fully fit yet. He seemed a bit rusty in possession, while his set-piece deliveries were somewhat erratic. Understandably taken off by Inzaghi early in the second half.

Nicolo Barella – 6.5

Barella’s energy and ‘never back down’ mentality was pivotal in a highly intense clash, though his passes weren’t as sharp as usual.

Denzel Dumfries – 6

Though he has been in fine form this season, the Dutchman’s trademark runs down the right flank were nowhere to be seen. Switching to the left after Dimarco’s withdrawal only worsened the case.

Marcus Thuram – 4

Back from injury and straight into the starting XI, the French forward had a disappointing game by his standard, offering a near-anonymous performance in the final third. A marginal figure throughout 66 minutes.

Lautaro Martinez – 5

El Toro fought tooth and nail for every ball but wasn’t the difference-maker Inter fans expected him to be.

Substitutes

Piotr Zielinski – 6

Benjamin Pavard – 6.5

Joaquin Correa – 3.5