The first half in the cold of Razgrad was undoubtedly the most boring half of football Antonio Conte’s Inter have played this season.
Ludogorets were no better as Inter’s new center back trio of D’Ambrosio, Ranocchia and Godin kept the Bulgarians from getting away any shots on target to trouble Padelli. Lautaro continued his struggles but his replacement got Inter going.
Daniele Padelli – 5: Not much to do all night. The defence just kept Ludogorets out and when they actually got past, their lack of quality showed. Perfect night for Padelli.
Diego Godin – 7: The only center-back who somewhat played out from the back, tried to drive the team whenever he had the chance. No nonsense defending.
Andrea Ranocchia – 6: Playing his 200th game in Inter’s colors and did the basics right. Lost possession once where D’Ambrosio and Godin covered for him but that was the only mistake.
Danilo D’Ambrosio – 6: Nice to see him getting some minutes with the number of games coming up. Gave it his all and looked secure defensively. Mr. Clean Sheet is back.
Victor Moses – 5.5: Showed some of his attacking prowess and pace but to no avail in the first half. Got all his crosses in but needs to be more decisive and determined.
Matias Vecino – 6: Provided the standard steel in midfield with little quality. The crosses he made weren’t great but his positioning was almost perfect throughout.
Borja Valero – 6: Drafted in to replace Brozovic, did the little defensive work without any fuss but too slow on the ball. Recycled possession and played the safe passes.
Christian Eriksen – 6.5: One or two flashes of brilliance but that was it for the first half. Looked much more driven after the break and would be glad to score his first goal.
Cristiano Biraghi – 5.5: Always lurked at the back post or hung out alone on the left flank where his team-mates didn’t manage to spot him. Ran out of steam and taken off.
Lautaro Martinez – 5.5: It seems like his head is turned. Avoidable booking, doesn’t seem calm or composed. The things that used to be easy for him to do are now difficult.
Alexis Sanchez – 6: Couldn’t get involved even when he came deep to get the ball in the first 45′. Lukaku coming on activated him and it showed. Positive night in the end.
Romelu Lukaku – 7: Half an hour of quality. Looked determined to get involved and set up Eriksen for the Dane’s first goal. Calmly put Inter 2 goals ahead.
Nicolo Barella – 6: Conte brought on his only available midfielder to stitch up any gaps that Ludogorets could exploit. Did the usual quality stuff in midfield.
Ashley Young – N/A: In the 10 minutes he played he managed to make as much impact as Biraghi did during the previous 80. Did a lot of attacking and kept the ball in Ludogorets half.
Antonio Conte – 6: A poor first half is now the new standard. The team looked hungrier and driven after the break. Changed the shape to completely block Ludogorets out.
Del Cerro Grande – 7: Gave bookings only when they were deserved. Used VAR correctly on the penalty. Not many people noticed the referee. Italy could do with such refs.
Inter – 6: Insipid first half performance. Raised their level just enough in the second half to beat Ludogorets. One foot in the round of 16 and losing streak is over.
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