Matteo Darmian and Francesco Acerbi have received some criticism for uncharacteristic defensive sloppiness for Inter Milan against Hellas Verona.
Today’s print edition of Rome-based newspaper Corriere dello Sport, via FCInterNews, gave the pair scores of just 5/10 in the player ratings for the match.
For the past couple of seasons, Inter have had veteran Italian internationals at their core.
Neither of former Manchester United man Darmian nor ex-Lazio and Sassuolo defender Acerbi may have the most eye-catching playing styles.
And the duo are necessarily the players who tend to rack up the “man of the match” awards in big Inter performances.
But both have earned plaudits for their consistency.
Having been playing the game for more than three decades between them, Acerbi and Darmian generally know how to not put a foot wrong.
And that has been a massive asset to Inter. With those solid displays almost something to take for granted, the Nerazzurri’s other players can shine.
Acerbi & Darmian Criticized For Uncharacteristic Sloppiness In Inter Vs Verona Clash
Yesterday against Verona, though, there was little evidence of any of the above.
Acerbi started in his usual position at the heart of the defense.
The 35-year-old was full of confidence, particularly in possession. But as the match wore on, there were some less encouraging signs.
Acerbi just about held his own against Verona’s physically dominant centre-forward Milan Djuric for the most part, albeit not always looking totally convincing.
But it was the introduction of Thomas Henry that really bamboozled the veteran defender.
Acerbi lost the run of Henry completely as the Frenchman equalized with his first touch after coming on.
And the 35-year-old never quite looked comfortable.
For a player whose MO has been unfussy but clinically consistent defensive displays, this was below par. Considering Acerbi had also had a rough match against Genoa, tiredness may have been a factor.
Meanwhile, Darmian did not start. The 34-year-old got a rare rest from the start.
But Inter coach Simone Inzaghi did throw the Italian international on in the second half.
Clearly, the intention was to put the ever-reliable Darmian on in place of the flagging Denzel Dumfries to see out the match defensively.
But the ex-Torino and Parma defender was the man who gave away a cheap penalty in the dying minutes of the match.
Gialloblu striker Henry could not punish Inter and Darmian from the spot.
But still, it was a lapse that came from virtually the last player most would have expected.
