Inter goalkeeper Samir Handanovic has played a key role in all of the Nerazzurri’s most important fixtures this season, according to Italian journalist Franco Vanni.

The Slovenia international produced a string of stunning saves to deny Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Sandro Tonali, as Inter thrashed AC Milan 3-0 in the Derby della Madonnina at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza today.

Victory sees Inter move four points clear at the top of the Serie A table as they seek a first Scudetto since 2010, with just 15 matches remaining.

Despite the captain coming under criticism this season, most notably after a blunder in the Coppa Italia Semi-Final against Juventus, Vanni claimed on Twitter that Handanovic has produced impressive performances in a number of Inter’s most high-profile games this season.

Vanni pointed to strong displays against Napoli, Juventus and Lazio in addition to his saves against the Rossoneri as evidence that the former Udinese custodian was a reliable figure for Antonio Conte’s side.

“Napoli, Juventus, Lazio, Milan. Handanovic produced great performances in all of Inter’s most important matches this season,” Vanni tweeted.