Player Ratings: Inter 0-1 Roma – Nerazzurri Title Hopes Dashed | OneFootball

Inter slumped to a heartbreaking 1-0 loss to high-flying Roma in Sunday’s high-stakes Serie A encounter at Giuseppe Meazza. From a treble dream, Simone Inzaghi’s men are now facing the grim prospect of ending the season empty-handed.

It’s been a tough week for Inter. After a 1-0 loss at Bologna last weekend saw them relinquish a three-point cushion at Serie A’s table summit, Inzaghi’s charges crashed out of the Coppa Italia, courtesy of a humiliating 3-0 defeat to arch-rivals in the return leg of their semi-final tie.

However, with several first-team stars back from injury, Inter had hoped to turn the corner against Roma. Unfortunately, tired legs caught up with the Nerazzurri, who failed to cope with the intensity Claudio Ranieri’s side imposed from the get-go.

A chaotic situation inside the Inter penalty area led to Roma’s early opener, with Matis Soule pouncing on a loose ball to beat Yann Sommer from close range. The Giallorossi could’ve taken a more comfortable lead into halftime, but Carlos Augusto’s last-ditch defending thwarted Eldor Shomurodov’s effort from a few meters out.

Despite re-establishing control of possession and keeping Roma pinned to their opening third in the second half, Inter failed to create many scoring chances. They finished the game with only two shots on target as Roma pulled off their second win across their last three Serie A visits to Meazza.

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

Inter (3-5-2)

Yann Sommer – 6.5

There wasn’t anything he could’ve done to stop Soule’s attempt, but he made four saves to prevent further damage. Unfortunately, his attackers couldn’t capitalize on his decent goalkeeping showing.

Benjamin Pavard – N/A

Forced off with an injury after just 15 minutes, the Frenchman joined the injury list at the worst possible moment for Inter.

Francesco Acerbi – 7

The veteran defender fared outstandingly against Artem Dovbyk, preventing the Ukrainian striker from finding any rhythm and making several crucial interceptions.

Carlos Augusto – 7.5

His incredible intervention on the goal line kept Inter in the game until the final whistle, as he delivered another reassuring performance at the heart of Inzaghi’s backline.

Federico Dimarco – 5.5

It wasn’t his afternoon by any stretch of the imagination. Stuttered at the back and couldn’t make any of his numerous attempted crosses count before being taken off midway through the second half.

Nicolo Barella – 6

Inter desperately lacked his dynamic runs in the center of the pitch as fatigue derailed his effectiveness, leading to a rare subdued performance from the usually energetic midfielder.

Hakan Calhanoglu – 6

The Turkish star wasn’t as creative as usual, struggling to dictate the tempo and finding it difficult to break down the opposition’s defensive lines.

Davide Frattesi – 5.5

Since seeing his early strike disallowed for offside in the build-up, the Roma-linked ace vanished from the game and should’ve come off sooner.

Matteo Darmian – 5

His sluggish reaction turned into an assist to Soule, with the experienced full-back delivering a substandard showing on both ends of the field.

Lautaro Martinez – 6

Despite leaving his heart and soul on the pitch, El Toro lacked his usual sharpness in front of goal and failed to force any save from Mile Svilar.

Marko Arnautovic – 5.5

The Austrian had a disappointing afternoon, spending more time arguing with the referees than helping his side breach Roma’s defense.

Substitutes

Yann Bisseck – 6.5