Inter Player Ratings vs Napoli: Calhanoglu from Hero to Zero | OneFootball

Inter and Napoli shared the spoils in an enthralling 1-1 draw in Sunday’s Serie A top-table six-pointer at Giuseppe Meazza. The game could’ve gone either way, but a lack of composure let down both teams.

Simone Inzaghi’s side headed into proceedings in a buoyant mood after winning eight of their last nine competitive games, including a 1-0 home victory against Arsenal in midweek UEFA Champions League action. However, despite enjoying a better start to the match, Inter fell behind.

Scott McTominay was in the right place at the right time to beat Yann Sommer from only a yard out and put Napoli in front in the 23rd minute. Inter needed 20 minutes to bounce back. When it looked like they would enter the break with a deficit, Hakan Calhanoglu restored parity.

The Turkish midfielder scored a beauty from long range, riffling the ball into the top corner after being left unmarked well outside the box. Instead of becoming the Inter hero, the 30-year-old fluffed his lines from the spot for the first time since joining the club from Milan.

Calhanoglu’s missed penalty midway through the second half could’ve returned to haunt Inter down the final stretch. But they fended off Napoli to extend their unbeaten streak in all competitions to ten games.

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

Inter (3-5-2)

Yann Sommer – 6

He only had to make one save tonight, thwarting Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s attempt early in the first half.

Benjamin Pavard – 7

The French defender was outstanding tonight, especially in one-on-one situations against the Georgian winger.

Francesco Acerbi – 7.5

Back to the start line-up for the first time since picking up an injury against Roma in mid-October, the veteran center-back delivered a standout performance.

Alessandro Bastoni – 7

The Italian star was part of the reason Napoli could’ve only generated a 0.59 xG, forging a defensive wall with his fellow partners.

Federico Dimarco – 6.5

Inter desperately lacked his devastating crosses from the left flank, though he came close to scoring a thunderous half-volley after the break, only to force Alex Meret’s stunning diving save.

Nicolo Barella – 7

Another dynamic showing from the ex-Cagliari man saw him establish himself as the beating heart of Inter’s engine room.

Hakan Calhanoglu – 7

It’s a pity he missed his first out of 20 penalties he took for Inter. Otherwise, he would’ve been the man of the match following his first-half screamer.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 6

Despite working his socks off, the Armenian midfielder failed to impact the play, especially in the first half.

Denzel Dumfries – 7

His overlapping runs down the flank caused havoc in Napoli’s defense, but he often lacked the final touch to make his effort count.

Lautaro Martinez – 5.5

Inzaghi must have expected more from his captain. However, the Inter captain had a disappointing night by his high standard.

Marcus Thuram – 5.5

Like his attacking partner, the French striker was a mere shadow of a player who netted seven goals in the opening 11 Serie A rounds.

Substitutes

Mehdi Taremi – 6

Piotr Zielinski – 5.5

Matteo Darmian – 5