Inter Player Ratings vs Cagliari: Esposito Off the Mark in Serie A | OneFootball

Inter extended their winning away streak against Cagliari to six consecutive games in Serie A with a 2-0 victory on Saturday night. Cristian Chivu’s side scored on either side of halftime to post their second straight league win.

Talismanic striker Lautaro Martinez propelled Inter to a perfect start, heading home Alessandro Bastoni’s cross in the ninth minute to make it 1-0. The Nerazzurri dominated the game in the first half but couldn’t find a way to double their lead before halftime.

Despite having Cagliari on the ropes, Inter couldn’t land a knockout punch until the 82nd minute, when prodigious center-forward Francesco Pio Esposito netted his first-ever Serie A goal for the Nerazzurri. Esposito’s strike only confirmed what was already on the wall.

In addition to a decent attacking performance, Inter prevented Cagliari from attempting a single shot on target. However, the Islanders nearly found an equalizer in the second half, only for the woodwork to deny Michael Folorunsho’s towering header.

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

Inter (3-5-2)

Josep Martinez – 6/10

It was plain sailing for the Spanish goalkeeper, as Cagliari failed to test him. Yet, he looked confident in set-piece situations and demonstrated great composure on the ball.

Manuel Akanji – 7/10

Akanji’s best performance in the Inter jersey by far saw him make light work of Sebastiano Esposito, keeping the Nerazzurri loanee irrelevant for most of the game.

Stefan de Vrij – 7/10

Like his defensive comrade, the Dutch veteran didn’t put his foot wrong tonight, dominating his opponents in the air while timing his tackles to perfection.

Alessandro Bastoni – 8/10

The Italian star couldn’t have picked a better way to respond to recent criticism than putting on a phenomenal showing at the Unipol Domus. In addition to providing an early assist, Bastoni never looked troubled in defense.

Luis Henrique – 6/10

Handed a rare chance to start ahead of Denzel Dumfries, Henrique stuttered in his first start for Inter, often struggling to retain possession in the final third while lacking a final ball.

Nicolo Barella – 6/10

The diminutive midfielder’s drop-off shows no signs of

Unable to provide a spark in the middle of the park, Barella also picked up a needless booking midway through the second half.

Hakan Calhanoglu – 7/10

In stark contrast to his teammates’ troubles, the 31-year-old playmaker continues to go from strength to strength. It’s a pity that the post denied him a third goal in as many league games.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 6/10

It feels like Petar Sucic is a far better option at the moment. Despite rarely giving away possession, the Armenian ace had absolutely no impact in the final 30 meters.

Carlos Augusto – 6/10

Not as decisive as in recent matches, the Brazilian fared well defensively but offered little moving forward. Replaced at the break due to a minor injury scare.

Marcus Thuram – 7/10

Only a goal was missing to complete another scintillating showing. The Frenchman made Cagliari’s defense suffer for over an hour before making way for Esposito.

Lautaro Martinez – 8/10

El Toro confirmed he enjoys facing Cagliari. Tonight’s goal was his 12th against this opposition in ten appearances against the Sardinians, paving the way for Inter’s victory.

Substitutions

Federico Dimarco – 6/10

Davide Frattesi – 6/10