Matteo Darmian embodies everything that is good about Antonio Conte’s Inter, a report in the Italian media argued today.
Darmian was the Nerazzurri’s hero yesterday as he struck late to secure a precious 1-0 win at home to Cagliari.
The 31-year-old was rewarded with a rating of 7.5/10 in Gazzetta dello Sport’s print edition, having helped Conte’s side maintain their 11-point lead at the top of the table.
“It wasn’t just his goal, which could be worth the Scudetto for Inter,” the Milan-based paper reported.
“He’d already drawn a save from Cagliari goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario in the first half and played a nice ball for Christian Eriksen.
“Darmian is a trusted soldier for Conte and one of the symbols of this Inter side for his self-sacrifice, humility and spirit.”
Eriksen, Stefan de Vrij, Romelu Lukaku and Achraf Hakimi all received ratings of 6.5/10 for their performances at San Siro.
Samir Handanovic, Milan Skriniar, Alessandro Bastoni, Marcelo Brozovic, Stefano Sensi and Lautaro Martinez were given 6/10, meanwhile.
Ashley Young and Roberto Gagliardini were punished for below-par displays with 5.5/10, but Alexis Sanchez got the heaviest criticism of all with just 5/10.
“He started making mistakes and then he just didn’t stop,” Gazzetta said of the Chilean’s performance.
Inter have now won 11 games in a row in Serie A and are just 13 points away from the club’s first league title since 2010.