Inter Milan’s victory away to Cagliari saw captain Lautaro Martinez and young forward Pio Esposito singled out as standout performers by La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Both scored in the 2-0 success and both received top ratings from the Milan-based newspaper.
Lautaro struck early to break the deadlock, netting for the 12th time in 12 meetings with the Sardinian side.
The Argentine was described as “opening the safe with the right combination.”
Lautaro Martinez, Barella, Pio Esposito & Dimarco Impress For Inter Against Cagliari
The same score went to Nicolò Barella, who rediscovered his energy back in his hometown despite being booed off by the Cagliari crowd.
Esposito matched him with a 7 after netting his first Serie A goal, a strike that effectively sealed the contest.
Federico Dimarco also received praise, with the substitute seen as “lively and decisive” after coming on.
Chivu’s Changes Work, Luis Henrique Criticised
Coach Cristian Chivu was rated positively for his substitutions, especially the introduction of Esposito.
The Romanian celebrated the youngster’s goal passionately on the sidelines as his side earned a third straight win.
Elsewhere, Alessandro Bastoni, Stefan de Vrij, and Hakan Calhanoglu were rated at 6.5.
A series of “political sixes” went to players such as:
Josep Martinez, Manuel Akanji, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Carlos Augusto, Marcus Thuram and Davide Frattesi.
The lowest grade went to summer signing Luis Henrique, who was handed a 5.
La Gazzetta criticised the winger for appearing “timid and untrained tactically” during his outing.
Ah, La Gazzetta! Always so… *passionate*. Giving Luis Henrique a 5 for being untrained tactically? Maybe the poor guy was just trying to avoid another Akanji-style political six! Poor Nicolo Barella, booted out AND booed. At least Inter scored, though, thanks to Lautaro opening the safe like a pro thief and Esposito sealing the deal. Chivus substitutions clearly worked better than Luis Henriques trickery! Keep the scores high, Inter, and maybe La Gazzetta can rate my humor a 10? basketball bros unblocked