Inter go 9 points clear atop the Serie A, momentarily until AC Milan play Napoli later tonight, after Lautaro Martinez wins all three points late in the game away against Torino.
The Nerazzurri struggled against a Torino that defended deep and frustrated Inter and were unable to create much until Armando Izzo gave away a clumsy penalty. Torino equalized soon after following some poor defending.
However, El Toro became the hero of the day after latching on to a gorgeous Alexis Sanchez cross to score a gorgeous header.
Samir Handanovic – 5: Moved the ball well but he was hardly under any pressure in the first half. Should be doing more on that cross and the shot from Sanabria. Poor.
Milan Skriniar – 6: Not as good as Skriniar was against Atalanta, but today was a different challenge. Should have done more on the goal but he was pushed slightly.
Stefan De Vrij – 6.5: De Vrij stood out throughout the game as the most consistent of the three center backs. Had to do a lot of playmaking today. Defended well, usual.
Alessandro Bastoni – 6.5: An unfortunate slip could have let Lyanco scored but otherwise he was almost firmly planted in Torino’s half trying to open spaces or chances.
Achraf Hakimi – 5.5: Started bright and then faded away soon after. Did not have much defending to do but his attacking play left a lot to be desired in the first half. Timid.
Nicolo Barella – 6.5: As is now standard, he ran from the first minute until the last. Played a major part in both phases, crucial in winning the ball back and making plays.
Marcelo Brozovic – 6: Did not start with the right intensity and without Eriksen today struggled to make the most of the ball and space he was offered. Decent defensively.
Roberto Gagliardini – 5: Gagliardini only started as Eriksen was rumored to have an injury during the week. Could not manage to make a move click in attack. Seemed too slow.
Ivan Perisic – 6.5: Ivan was perhaps Inter’s best player in the first half. Created two good chances, one headed wide by Lautaro and the other hit Lukaku’s arm. Class.
Romelu Lukaku – 7: Romelu did not have much time in front of the goal but he made a crucial goal line clearance. Then showed ice in his veins while scoring from the spot.
Lautaro Martinez – 7.5: Too much work for too little reward especially in the first half. Tried every trick in his book but it did not seem to work. Then he scored that header.
Ashley Young – 6.5: Not the finest of starts but he was ready for the scrap that Torino offered. Kept his composure and made crucial interceptions and runs forward.
Christian Eriksen – 6.5: With Eriksen on the field Inter suddenly looked like a different team. The tempo, the movement and perhaps the belief changed when he came on.
Alexis Sanchez – N/A: Another player that had a major impact off the bench. Seemed unstoppable and it was his crucial assist that meant Inter came back with the 3 points.
Matias Vecino – N/A: Great to see Vecino back in the fold after a very long time away due to injury. It also sends a signal to Sensi if Conte did not consider bringing him on.
Matteo Darmian – N/A: Brought on for a tiring Hakimi to just do the defensive dirty work as Torino threw men forward in hope towards the end. Handy player on the bench.
Antonio Conte – 5.5: The game plan was simple however the attacking plays did not really materialize. Good timing and great selection of the subs changed the game.
Paolo Valeri – 5.5: Maybe should have had a look at the screen for Torino’s goal. Got all the other major decisions right. Blew his whistle for too many soft fouls today.
Inter – 7.5: Crucial win in a game that Inter usually drop points. Things did not look good especially when Sanabria scored. Great character shown. Good 3 points.
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