Cagliari 0-2 Inter Milan – Argentine Captain Inspires Nerazzurri As Young Striker Seals Win | OneFootball

Inter Milan’s victory away to Cagliari saw captain Lautaro Martinez and young forward Pio Esposito singled out as standout performers by La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Both scored in the 2-0 success and both received top ratings from the Milan-based newspaper.

Lautaro struck early to break the deadlock, netting for the 12th time in 12 meetings with the Sardinian side.

The Argentine was described as “opening the safe with the right combination.”

Lautaro Martinez, Barella, Pio Esposito & Dimarco Impress For Inter Against Cagliari

MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 31: Nicolo’ Barella of FC Internazionale competes for the ball with Thomas Kristensen of Udinese Calcio during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Udinese Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on August 31, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

The same score went to Nicolò Barella, who rediscovered his energy back in his hometown despite being booed off by the Cagliari crowd.

Esposito matched him with a 7 after netting his first Serie A goal, a strike that effectively sealed the contest.

Federico Dimarco also received praise, with the substitute seen as “lively and decisive” after coming on.

Chivu’s Changes Work, Luis Henrique Criticised

BARI, ITALY – AUGUST 16: Luis Henrique of Inter during Pre-Season Friendly match between FC Internazionale and Olympiacos FC at Stadio San Nicola on August 16, 2025 in Bari, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)

Coach Cristian Chivu was rated positively for his substitutions, especially the introduction of Esposito.

The Romanian celebrated the youngster’s goal passionately on the sidelines as his side earned a third straight win.

Elsewhere, Alessandro Bastoni, Stefan de Vrij, and Hakan Calhanoglu were rated at 6.5.

A series of “political sixes” went to players such as:

Josep Martinez, Manuel Akanji, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Carlos Augusto, Marcus Thuram and Davide Frattesi.

The lowest grade went to summer signing Luis Henrique, who was handed a 5.

La Gazzetta criticised the winger for appearing “timid and untrained tactically” during his outing.