Inter got back to winning ways after two consecutive defeats in the Champions League and the Serie A against Bayern Munich and Juventus respectively, by demolishing Bologna 6-1 at the San Siro.
The Nerazzurri didn’t start the game well at all, looking nervous and unfocused misplacing a plethora of passes. So it came as no surprise when Bologna scored a lucky pinball deflection goal in the 22nd minute via Charalampos Lykogiannis.
However, the Nerazzurri bounced back with a bang four minutes later when Edin Dzeko scored a wondergoal of an equalizer echoing Zinedine Zidane’s goal in the Champions League final against Bayer Leverkusen.
Some 10 minutes later MOTM Federico Dimarco scored the first of his two goals with a good free-kick before Lautaro Martinez headed home a Hakan Calhanoglu corner six minutes later, to end the half with a 3-1 lead.
In the second half, Inter came out the way they started created two clear cut chances where Edin Dzeko missed one hitting the woodwork before Federico Dimarco scored his second and the Nerazzurri’s fourth.
Before the goalfest was over, Hakan Calhanoglu converted from the spot to make it 5-1 and substitute Robin Gosens scored to make it 6-1.
André Onana – 6: Was barely tested but the few times he was called on he responded and did so well. Can’t be faulted for the goal as it was the definition of a lucky deflection.
Milan Skriniar – 7: Showed leadership and character worthy of a captain when Inter were trailing by a goal to fire up his teammates. Made a couple of his patented block tackles to the joy of the San Siro faithful.
Francesco Acerbi – 6: Together with Onana he probably had the best seats of the house for this game, as Bologna didn’t test him at all, and when testing Inter did so down the Nerazzurri’s left flank.
Alessandro Bastoni – 6,5: Given the high-scoring nature of the game it’s a bit surprising he wasn’t more involved in the attacking phase but was by no means invisible either. Maybe still not fully recovered from his flu.
Denzel Dumfries – 6,5: Should’ve had an assist after beating his man and delivering a lovely cross which Dzeko somehow failed to score. Worked hard defensively as always and is desperately looking to catch a break in attack.
Nicolo Barella – 7,5: Another day another top class performance by Inter’s midfield dynamo. Bagged an assist and was everywhere on the pitch winning and recovering balls before helping to create in attack.
Hakan Calhanoglu – 7,5: Got noted for another assist from a lovely in-swinging corner and got to score from the penalty spot after Edin Dzeko won a penalty in the second half.
Hemrikh Mkhitaryan – 7: Good outing by the veteran Armenian midfielder who continues to show his quality in terms of what a safe passer he is not to mention how technically gifted he is.
Federico Dimarco – 8: Scored a brace with his second goal was a lovely bit of skill and movement combining with Barella. His first goal may seem like a goalkeeping howler but the speed and power with which ball hit is impressive.
Lautaro Martinez – 7,5: Ended his four goalless streak by heading home Hakan Calhanoglu’s corner and was very lively throughout. His link-up play is world class game after game his patchy goal-scoring notwithstanding.
Edin Dzeko – 7,5: Should have had a hat-trick today when missing an open sitter and not connecting with Dimarco’s lovely cross, but despite this scored a goal of the season contender, won a penalty and made an assist.
Marcelo Brozovic – 6,5: Came on for Lautaro Martinez in the 62nd minute and started controlling the tempo of the midfield from deep as if he hadn’t been away with injury for about a month. Contender to start against Atalanta.
Robin Gosens – 7: Replaced Federico Dimarco in the 62nd minute and looked sharp, working hard defensively to win the ball back on several occasions and was rewarded with the final goal of the game for attacking prowess.
Raoul Bellanova – 6: Substituted on for Denzel Dumfries in the 62nd minute and didn’t really have much of an impact on the game in attack but was alert defensively using his lightning speed to avert danger when needed.
Roberto Gagliardini – 6: Brought on in the 74th minute for Nicolo Barella and helped provide defensive cover in midfield and also filling out in attack with runs into Bologna’s penalty area from deep but without much impact.
Kristjan Asllani – 7: Good substitution by the youngster when replacing Hakan Calhanoglu in the 74th minute. His passing is exquisite, especially making quarterback pin-point passes diagonally on numerous occasions.
Simone Inzaghi – 7: Had one of those days when everything he did turned out to be right: from the starting lineup, the approach, the game-plan to his often maligned substitutions.
Andrea Colombo – 6: Didn’t get any major calls wrong but the free-kick he awarded Inter which led to Dimarco scoring was wrongly awarded as he feel for Lautaro Martinez tricks. Overall a controlled and composed performance.
Inter – 7,5: Granted Bologna aren’t a world class team but to come back after a heavy defeat against Juventus as well as going a goal down and reacting as they did was as impressive as it was important. But can they do it against a direct rival on Sundat 12.30 pm CET at the Gewiss Stadium against Atalanta?
Agree? Disagree?
Let us know in the comments below or hit us up on Twitter and Facebook.
