Lautaro Martinez was the MOTM in Inter’s 1-0 win over Fiorentina at the Stadio Franchi.
Fiorentina
Terracciano 6 – It was not a busy night at the office for the Fiorentina keeper, who cannot be blamed for Lautaro’s winner.
Faraoni 6.5 – First start with La Viola. The ex-Verona defender was brilliant defensively, especially in the first half, when he avoided a Carlos Augusto goal with a sliding clearance.
Ranieri 6.5 – A tenacious performance from the Italian defender, who also had a couple of chances to score from set pieces.
M Quarta 6.5 – The Argentinean was also solid defensively against the best attack in the league. It wasn’t enough to avoid defeat.
Parisi 5 – A good attacking performance, but he was too weak on Lautaro Martinez when El Toro scored the winner. (89′ Milenkovic N/A)
Duncan 5.5 – Quantity over quality. (82′ Mandragora N/A)
Arthur 5.5 – Not his best performance in Florence. The Brazilian was replaced during the break due to an injury. (46′ M Lopez 6 – Played with good personality.)
Ikoné 5.5 – Fiorentina have blocked his exit, but the Frenchman failed to show his potential again. A few good moves, but not enough to create trouble for Inter. (60′ N. Gonzalez 5)
Beltran 5 – Played behind Nzola linking up midfield and attack, but produced no shots on target. (82′ Barak N/A)
Bonaventura 6 – Deployed as a left winger, the Italian was not as effective as usual but still had one of the best chances for Fiorentina, denied by Sommer.
Nzola 5 – Surprisingly replaced Sottil, but he was never in an appropriate position to shoot. When he finally beat De Vrij, he ignored Bonaventura on the left and produced a weak attempt, infuriating the home crowd.
Coach: Italiano 6 – Fiorentina played good football but conceded an avoidable goal from a corner kick. They missed another penalty after Ikoné in the Supercoppa semis against Napoli. Italiano was so desperate to score that he even introduced Milenkovic in attack in the final five minutes. Fiorentina need a better centre forward. Plenty of regrets for another narrow defeat.
Inter
Sommer 7 – A fantastic save to deny Bonaventura in the first half and keep Inter ahead. Saved a weak Nico penalty that he had caused. Rollercoasters, but he emerged victorious.
Pavard 7 – It was just so difficult to dribble past the France international. The only time Bonaventura beat him, Pavard was booked and immediately subbed off. (82′ Bisseck N/A).
De Vrij 6.5 – Replaced Acerbi, starting the second consecutive game, and didn’t disappoint, using all his experience.
Bastoni 6.5 – Still not fully fit, so he was replaced early, but the Italian gave his contribution, with and without the ball. (59′ Acerbi 6).
Darmian 6 – Helped Pavard defensively and ran forward only when it was inevitable. (59′ Dumfries 6).
Frattesi 6 – Played a good game defensively, but was never a threat in attack with his famous late runs inside the box.
Asllani 6.5 – Delivered the assist for Lautaro, so he left his mark somehow, even if Inter didn’t move the ball as quickly as they do when Calhanoglu is around.
Mkhitaryan 6 – The ‘Armenian train’ ran as usual, but this time he had no goals or assists to offer.
Carlos Augusto 6.5 – Surprisingly replaced Dimarco on the left flank and Inzaghi’s choice paid off. The Brazilian was often a threat in attack, especially in the first half and was nearly perfect inside his own half. Inter have two starters down that flank.
Thuram 6 – Potentially lethal on counterattacks but wasted a huge chance to double the lead in the first half when he fell off by himself. (59′ Arnautovic 6)
Lautaro Martinez 7.5 – Who else? The 19th goal in 19 Serie A appearances. Three shots on target, one goal. Brilliant as usual.
Coach: Inzaghi 7.5 – The Nerazzurri left the ball possession to Fiorentina but were dangerous on every counterattack. They have now returned to the top of the table and have a game in hand. Impressive.