Former Inter defender Beppe Bergomi has said that Inter played at a very good pace against Liverpool and that he was surprised by Arturo Vidal’s performance in midfield, according to a report in the Italian broadcast media.

Speaking on Sky Sport after the Europa League ties on Thursday night, via FCInternews, Beppe Bergomi took stock of how each Italian team got on in European competition this week.

On Inter, he said that he was impressed with how the Nerazzurri maintained a high pace for the majority of the game but conceded that the substitutions that each team made killed the game for Inter.

Inter kept up the pace very well, the changes made the difference. With Barella out, the Nerazzurri had few replacements in midfield, Liverpool instead made three substitutions in one go and perhaps even raised the level. But Inter kept a very high pace.”

Arturo Vidal started the game in place of the injured Nicolo Barella and had a very good game. Beppe Bergomi was surprised by how well he played.

Vidal surprised me, but the alternative was missing after 70 minutes. He lost very few balls, got in, fought and kept a high pace. I didn’t believe it, but he had an excellent performance. 

“Inter play well, they accepted the one-on-one team: they are a beautiful team to watch, but when the 70th minute arrives against the big players, they score goals.”

On Lautaro Martinez, Beppe Bergomi said that he is still a first choice player but realises that his partnership with Edin Dzeko has flaws.

For me he is always the first choice. Last year with Lukaku he played in one way, this year in another: the pairing is not 100% matched and he suffers.”