Calmed down yet? It’s going to take some time. Inter huffed and puffed in the first half with some enterprising attacking play that warranted a goal, but went into the break level and the news from around Italy didn’t look good.
What followed were the longest 45 minutes in the life of every Interista. Keita put Intere ahead and that should have been that but Pazza Inter reared its ugly head. Icardi missed a penalty to seal the points, Empoli equalized. Radja Nainggolan looked like he finally got Inter over the line but Inter still have to thank Capitano Handanovic who saved Inter with some world class saves. Oh and there was VAR and a sending off too.
Samir Handanovic – 10: World class saves. That was for all the people who didn’t believe he deserved to be Serie A keeper of the year. Played like a leader and captain.
Danilo D’Ambrosio – 7: Made a mistake on Traore’s goal but more than made up for it with that interception. That was a miracle. Stable game throughout all things considered.
Stefan de Vrij – 6: Had to make a few last ditch tackles towards the end but till about the 60th minute, he wasn’t challenged at all. Would have scored on another day.
Milan Skriniar – 6: Just like de Vrij he was not a tough task for long periods. Once Inter started playing deep he only had time to make desperate clearances and tackles.
Kwadwo Asamoah – 7: Very good 45 minutes from Asamoah. Unfortunately, Inter needed his cool head towards the end. Denied a deserved goal by another world class save.
Marcelo Brozovic – 7: Spalletti’s midfield controller was in full flow. Played his heart out that almost turned into the perfect game. If only Keita didn’t make that foul.
Matias Vecino – 6.5: After the 80th minute in crucial games, Matias turns into Midas. That slalom run would put many wingers to shame. Unlucky to not score. Gave 100%.
Matteo Politano – 6: First full 90 minutes he’s played in a while. His shooting hasn’t improved all season but he gave it his all. Too bad Inter retreated so much at the end. Tired.
Radja Nainggolan – 7.5: After a tumultuous start to the season, Inter’s marquee signing scored the goal that keeps Inter in the 4th spot. Had a brilliant game overall. Always in the right place.
Ivan Perisic – 6: Cannot doubt his effort, but his crossing was poor again. Looked dynamic in attack and stable when he played as a left back. His injury could have cost Inter.
Mauro Icardi – 5: The less said about his “performance” the better. Late to everything, got lucky with the penalty call but shot central and poorly. Booed off the pitch.
Keita Balde – 7.5: Who knew playing him on the left cutting in is where he does his best? The goal was fantastic, however a stupid mistake at the end made Inter fans shiver.
Lautaro Martinez – 5: Did Icardi go off and someone come on? Lautaro was only visible when he took a shot instead of running the ball to the corner flag. Inexperienced.
Henrique Dalbert – 3.5: Empoli’s best attacking player by far. The left side of Inter’s defence was their highway. He always got caught way up, poor passes, positioning etc. Bye.
Luciano Spalletti – 6: Thank you to the coach who delivered what he promised. Had he made earlier subs during this season it might have not come to this. Got Inter over the line.
Luca Banti – 6: Not sure about the penalty still. Not sure if the Keita foul impeded the goal in any way. Too strict on Radja for some reason. Happy retirement!
Inter – 6: This game defines Inter and this season in particular. I’m sure all Interisti around the world grew a few extra grey hairs and have no nails left. But Inter got it done.
Agree? Disagree? Who do you think was Inter’s best player of the night?
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