Inter Player Ratings vs Atalanta: South American Show in Bergamo | OneFootball

Inter took a massive step toward a second consecutive Serie A title with a crucial 2-0 away win against direct rivals Atalanta. Simone Inzaghi’s side took advantage of Napoli’s slump at Venezia earlier today to open up a four-point buffer at the table’s summit.

Marcus Thuram could’ve put Inter in front after less than minutes, yet the woodwork stopped his low effort from a promising position. Atalanta threatened Inter’s goal midway through the first half as Yann Sommer had to make a fabulous save to thwart Mario Pasalic’s towering header.

After a scoreless first half, Inter broke the deadlock only nine minutes after the break. Left unmarked inside the six-yard box, Carlos Augusto headed home Hakan Calhanoglu’s inch-perfect cross from the corner to put the Nerazzurri 1-0 up.

Gian Piero Gasperini’s side failed to create much in the final third after falling a goal down. Ederson’s expulsion in the 81st minute added insult to injury, facilitating Inter’s road to victory. Lautaro Martinez sealed Atalanta’s fate six minutes later with a lethal finish from an acute angle.

However, Alessandro Bastoni cast a shadow on Inter’s win in second-half stoppages. The star center-back picked up a needless second booking for an over-zealous challenge on Daniel Maldni. Nonetheless, Inter claimed an all-important three points in Bergamo.

Inter (3-5-2)

Yann Sommer – 7

Unfazed by a brief spell on the sidelines, the Swiss veteran delivered another reassuring performance. Though he only had to make three saves, his first-half stop against Pasalic proved crucial.

Benjamin Pavard – 6.5

Filled in for Stefan de Vrij, the Frenchman fared reasonably well against Ademola Lookman, although the Nigerian caused problems with his tricky feet.

Francesco Acerbi – 7.5

Vintage performance from the oldest player on the pitch! His world-class defending made light work of Mateo Retegui, keeping Serie A’s top goalscorer at bay.

Alessandro Bastoni – 5.5

A player of his quality and experience should know better than to pick up such a mindless red card heading into the season’s crunch period.

Carlos Augusto – 7.5

In the right place at the right time, the Brazilian wingback scored a game-defining opener, which was nothing less than he deserved for another promising display.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 6.5

Omnipresent in Inter’s build-up, the Armenian midfielder never sought spectacular, keeping his passes clean and precise instead.

Hakan Calhanoglu – 7

His pinpoint delivery made it easy for Augusto to beat Marco Carnesecchi. The Turkish ace was the beating heart of Inter’s midfield.

Nicolo Barella – 7.5

Inter cannot imagine life without the diminutive star, as witnessed by another brilliant showing this evening. His assist for Lautaro was a pure class.

Denzel Dumfries – 6

Inter often lacked his darting runs down the flank. A fitness discomfort may have been the reason behind his atypically quiet game as Inzaghi took him off midway through the second half.

Marcus Thuram – 6

Wasting a glorious opportunity in the opening ten minutes rattled the French forward as he never regained a foothold in the game, failing to threaten Atalanta’s goal afterward.

Lautaro Martinez – 7.5

Patiently waiting for his chance to strike, El Toro put away the only opening he had tonight to hand Inter firm control of the game. Davide Frattesi’s incredible miss denied him an assist.

Substitutes

Yann Bisseck – 6.5