Hakan Calhanoglu earnt praise from the Italian press for his leadership skills and on-pitch impact in Inter’s Champions League win against RB Salzburg.
The 29-year-old Turkish midfielder played 76 minutes of the Nerazzurri’s European victory at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, scoring from the penalty spot in the 64th minute to guide his team to all three points.
Calhanoglu has reinvented his career since joining up with Simone Inzaghi’s Inter, shining as a deep-lying playmaker. This season, he has already scored four goals and provided one assist.
La Gazzetta dello Sport didn’t shy away from praising the Turkish midfielder for his performance against RB Salzburg, underlining his driving force behind the win, writing: “He dictates the law in a total and all-encompassing midfield. More and more dominant.”
Corriere dello Sport suggested that Calhanoglu grew into the match in the second half and were impressed with his inconsistency from the penalty spot, commenting: “Much better in the second half. So far, fourth penalty from the spot on as many occasions.”
Tuttosport referenced Calhanoglu’s leadership skills and confidence from 12 yards out, happy with his work directing his teammates, writing: “When he takes the lead, the whole of Inter grows. Surgical on the penalty.”
Calhanoglu’s ratings in the Italian newspapers
Gazzetta dello Sport: 7.5
Corriere dello Sport: 7.5
Tuttosport: 7