Inter Player Ratings vs Juventus: Zielinski Heroics Insufficient | OneFootball

Inter and Juventus shared the spoils in a breathtaking 4-4 Serie A draw in one of the most exciting Derby d’Italia encounters this century. A topsy-turvy affair at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza saw both teams boast the lead at some point but couldn’t get three points over the line.

Piotr Zielinski couldn’t have imagined a better way to mark his first Serie A start for Inter. In the absence of Simone Inzaghi’s designated penalty-taker, Hakan Calhanoglu, the Poland international assumed responsibility for both spot-kicks this evening. And he converted each.

Zielinski’s 15th-minute penalty fired Inter 1-0 up, only for Dusan Vlahovic and Timothy Weah to turn the game on its head by the 27-minute mark. However, the reigning Scudetto holders entered the halftime interval happier of the two teams as Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Zielinski restored their lead with a two-minute double.

Inter enjoyed a stellar start to the second half. Denzel Dumfries returned to the scoresheet to put clear daylight between the sides. It looked like the Nerazzurri should routinely hold on to their comfortable-looking advantage. However, Kenan Yildiz had other plans.

The Turkish prodigy scored a delightful solo goal to cut Inter’s lead in half midway through the second half before hammering a right-footed half-volley beneath Yann Sommer to level the score in the 82nd minute. While Inter relinquished a five-game winning run in all competitions, Juventus upheld their unbeaten Serie A record against Thiago Motta.

Without further ado, let’s look at our Inter ratings.

Inter (3-5-2)

Yann Sommer – 3

With four of Juventus’ five shots on target ending in the back of the net, it’s fair to say the Swiss goalkeeper didn’t have a memorable game.

Benjamin Pavard – 3.5

Yildiz gave the French ace, who performed well below his high standard, a run for his money. It was a disappointing night for the ex-Bayern Munich star.

Stefan de Vrij – 5.5

Vlahovic slipped the Inter veteran’s mark to draw Juventus level early in the first half. He often lacked the pace to cope with the Serb.

Alessandro Bastoni – 5

Francisco Conceicao made him look silly for Juventus’ second, perhaps best illustrating the Italian center-back’s disjointed showing.

Federico Dimarco – 6.5

Despite his well-documented defensive shortcomings, the highly-rated wingback was superb in attack, creating numerous chances for his attackers.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 7

There’s no doubt this was his best performance this season! Apart from a well-taken goal, the Armenian midfielder was crucial in the build-up phase.

Nicolo Barella – 6

The Italian superstar had a rare night off. Inter desperately lacked Barella’s energy in the engine room, and he often let his final touch let him down.

Piotr Zielinski – 7.5

Took Calhanoglu’s place and excelled, delivering a phenomenal display. In addition to the goals, his playmaking skills helped the home team’s midfield tick over in turbulent moments.

Denzel Dumfries – 7.5

Before finding the net from an awkward angle with a fortuitous effort, he scrambled a massive chance. However, he atoned by drawing a first-half penalty.

Lautaro Martinez – 6.5

It was a frustrating night for the Inter captain, who worked his socks off in the final third but didn’t have a clear sight of goal once.

Marcus Thuram – 6.5

It’s unfathomable how he didn’t score. He had several decent efforts from tough positions fly agonizingly off the frame either side of halftime.

Substitutes

Yann Bisseck – 6.5