Inter Player Ratings Against Cagliari: Lautaro Finds His Form Again
Inter Milan, the reigning Serie A champions, delivered a potent reminder of their quality and ambition with a clinical 3-0 victory over relegation battlers Cagliari at the Unipol Domus. This impressive performance not only capped off a highly successful 2024 but also marked their fifth consecutive league triumph, reaffirming their status as formidable contenders.
The opening 45 minutes, however, mirrored their struggle against Como just days prior. Under the astute guidance of coach Simone Inzaghi, the Nerazzurri appeared stymied by Cagliari’s resolute defensive setup, seemingly lacking urgency in their pursuit of the net.
Aside from a stunning long-range effort from Marcus Thuram that forced a brilliant save from Simone Scuffet, Inter’s offense was uncharacteristically muted in the first half. Lautaro Martinez squandered a golden opportunity, sending a free header sailing over the bar, an early warning that the team must sharpen its finishing.
Yet, just eight minutes after the break, the dam finally broke for Inter. Nicolo Barella, a linchpin of the midfield and former Cagliari player, executed a sublime cross that found Alessandro Bastoni. The towering defender rose majestically to head home, giving Inter the much-needed breakthrough.
With confidence surged, Inter swiftly doubled their advantage. Martinez, who had been feeling the pressure, netted with an instinctive finish from Barella’s precise delivery, further underlining the importance of composure in decisive moments. For Cagliari, the situation deteriorated rapidly.
The self-inflicted wounds for Cagliari continued when Mateusz Wieteska’s clumsy handball within the penalty area presented Hakan Calhanoglu with the opportunity to extend Inter’s lead. Calhanoglu, a maestro from the spot, made no mistake, coolly slotting the ball past Scuffet to seal a comprehensive victory in the 78th minute.
This triumph signifies Inter’s 12th consecutive league match without defeat, a remarkable run following their only setback of the season against arch-rivals Milan in mid-September. With this victory, they’ve temporarily ascended to the top of the table, momentarily leapfrogging Atalanta as they continue their pursuit of supremacy.
Now, let’s delve into our player ratings, evaluating the contributions of those who made this victory possible.
Inter (3-5-2)
Yann Sommer – 6
The Swiss shot-stopper continues to accrue clean sheets, although he was only called into action once tonight, a reflection of Inter’s dominance.
Yann Bisseck – 7
After a lackluster outing against Como, the 24-year-old redeemed himself with a solid performance, denying Cagliari two clear-cut chances with timely interventions.
Stefan de Vrij – 7
The Dutch veteran conducted himself with authority once again, effectively neutralizing Robert Piccoli while winning numerous aerial duels and regaining possession relentlessly.
Alessandro Bastoni – 7.5
The embodiment of reliability, Bastoni capped off another stellar performance by scoring the opening goal, demonstrating his defensive mastery while contributing to the attack.
Federico Dimarco – 6
Despite his involvement in the build-up, Dimarco’s delivery left much to be desired; several set-piece opportunities were squandered due to his lack of precision.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 6.5
Mkhitaryan displayed his veteran savvy, tirelessly working in midfield and ensuring that Inter maintained a stranglehold on the game.
Hakan Calhanoglu – 7
Inter’s creative fulcrum, Calhanoglu orchestrated the flow of play with his astute passing and vision, becoming a vital component of every attacking move.
Nicolo Barella – 7.5
The former Cagliari star was a whirlwind in Sardinia, providing two assists that crystallized his influence on the match and emphasized his status as one of Inter’s key players.
Denzel Dumfries – 6
Although he missed a chance to score in the first half, Dumfries consistently posed a threat along the right flank, showcasing his pace and power.
Marcus Thuram – 6.5
Even without finding the net, the Frenchman was a dynamic presence, relentlessly troubling the Cagliari defense with his ability to stretch the play.
Lautaro Martinez – 7
Despite an erratic first half filled with frustration, Martinez delivered the match-defining moment with his goal, illustrating the importance of channeling pressure into productive outcomes.
Substitutes
Piotr Zielinski – 6.5
Carlos Augusto – 6
Mehdi Taremi – 5
Davide Frattesi – 5.5
Kristjan Asllani – 5.5
