Inter Player Ratings vs Cagliari: Arnautovic Reigns Supreme | OneFootball

Runaway Serie A leaders Inter extended their unbeaten run against Cagliari to 11 matches in all competitions with a routine 3-1 home win. Simone Inzaghi’s charges put on a dominant performance at the San Siro to temporarily steer six points away from second-placed Napoli.

Marko Arnautovic rarely starts for Inter. But when he does, he often scores. That was the case today, as the Austrian striker opened the scoring in the 13th minute to set the tone for Nerazzurri’s triumph. He turned from a scorer to a provider 13 minutes later, setting up Lautaro Martinez for Inter’s second.

However, Cagliari pulled one back through Roberto Piccoli at the start of the second half.

When it looked like Inter fans could endure the Parma scenario all over again, Yann Bisseck scored a thumping header to restore a two-goal cushion and ease the pressure on Inzaghi’s porous backline. Indeed, Piccoli’s goal means the reigning holders have only kept one clean sheet in seven home league outings.

Let’s look at our player ratings.

Inter (3-5-2)

Yann Sommer – 6.5

Piccoli’s free header gave him no chance to react, but he denied Cagliari’s leading goalscorer with a superb save in a one-on-one before halftime.

Yann Bisseck – 7.5

Irrespective of the goal, the rising Inter star proved he’s a prototype of a modern-day defender. Dominant in the air and quick in closing down his opposition, Bisseck was a force to be reckoned with.

Stefan de Vrij – 6.5

Unlike his younger colleague, the Dutch veteran made a mistake that nearly led to Cagliari’s first-half equalizer as he lost track of Piccoli, only for Sommer to bail him out. Atoned with a spectacular goal-line clearance.

Carlos Augusto – 7

After a scintillating showing at left wingback in Munich, the Brazilian returned to the back three and excelled, even completing several bursting runs down the flank.

Federico Dimarco – 6

Back to the starting XI after a minor fitness problem, Dimarco showed signs of fatigue as the injury seemingly took its toll on one of the world’s best fullbacks.

Nicolo Barella – 7

Up against his former club, the diminutive ace offered no mercy, helping Inter win the midfield battle while almost providing a delightful assist for Davide Frattesi.

Hakan Calhanoglu – 6.5

Inter’s dominant performance allowed the Turk to work his magic in the center of the park as he distributed the ball around the pitch with purpose and precision.

Davide Frattesi – 6

Full of running and energy but with nothing to show for it, Frattesi had a relatively quiet game, though his moves into the channels often caused havoc in Cagliari’s backline.

Nicola Zalewski – 5.5

With most of Inter’s attacking movements coming on the left, the Roma loanee had absolutely no chance to demonstrate his offensive characteristics today.

Lautaro Martinez – 7

El Toro has seemingly hit a purple patch after a rough spell, scoring in back-to-back matches, with today’s chip over Elia Caprile confirming his return to form.

Marko Arnautovic – 8

There’s barely anything more Inter supporters could expect from the 45-year-old. Opened the scoring with a poacher’s finish and set Lautaro up on a platter with a defense-splitting pass, the Austrian earned a ‘Man of the Match’ tag.

Substitutes

Joaquin Correa – 5.5