Samir Handanovic was back to his brilliant best during Inter’s win in the Milan derby yesterday, according to an Italian media report.
Handanovic has received widespread criticism for his performances this season but produced three exceptional saves to keep AC Milan at bay after half-time.
Tuttosport’s print edition handed the Slovenian a rating of 8/10 at San Siro, the joint-highest score along with Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez.
“He glorified the derby, his 501st appearance in Serie A, with three miraculous saves from Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Sandro Tonali,” the Turin-based publication reported.
Lukaku was compared to New Zealand rugby star Jonah Lomu after his devastating solo goal at San Siro, with the paper arguing it would remain in derby history.
Lautaro played a ‘fantastic’ match with his two goals accompanied by an excellent defensive work-rate, the report explained.
Ivan Perisic got 7.5/10 for his performance after being involved in each of the Nerazzurri’s first two goals, while Milan Skriniar, Achraf Hakimi, Nicolo Barella, Marcelo Brozovic and Christian Eriksen all received 7/10.
Stefan de Vrij and Alessandro Bastoni were both awarded 6.5/10, while Antonio Conte got 8/10 for his excellent coaching display against Stefano Pioli.
“The improvements seen in Skriniar and Perisic and the new position for Eriksen are all fruits of his sartorial work at Appiano Gentile,” they concluded.
