Inter Player Ratings vs Monterrey: Lautaro Spares Nerazzurri Blushes | OneFootball

Inter commenced their FIFA World Cup campaign with a middling 1-1 draw against Liga MX powerhouse Monterrey. The Serie A runners-up dominated possession and created the better chances but failed to convert their superiority into a winning start.

Cristian Chivu’s touchline debut didn’t start according to plan. Former Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos opened the scoring with a towering header. Oliver Torres whipped the ball into the box from a corner, with the 39-year-old defender outmaneuvering Alessandro Bastoni and Francesco Acerbi to put Monterrey in front.

However, Inter had complete control of proceedings at the Rose Bowl, and it was only a matter of time before they would score. The Nerazzurri fans had to wait until the final minutes of an exciting first half to see their time equalize the score. Lautaro Martinez tapped the ball into an empty net after a brilliant set-piece play.

Inter wasted two more chances in the first half and had every reason to enter the break feeling frustrated by the scoreline. They started the second half in the same vein, yet a lack of composure in the final third often let them down. Lautaro spurned Inter’s best chance after halftime, as his close-range shot flew well over the crossbar.

As such, Inter will look to bounce back when they take on Urawa Red Diamonds, who lost 3-1 to River Plate in the other Group E fixture. Without further ado, let’s look at our player ratings.

Inter (3-5-2)

Yann Sommer – 4/10

Monterrey scored from their only shot on target, and the veteran goalkeeper could’ve arguably done better to thwart Ramos’ header. It seemed like he was on the ball.

Francesco Acerbi – 5/10

Easily outplayed by Ramos, the 37-year-old let the Spanish center-back slip his mark for the goal. However, he held up his end of the bargain for the rest of the game.

Alessandro Bastoni – 7/10

Though Ramos outjumped him to open the scoring, he was at a disadvantage. That didn’t knock Bastoni off his perch as he delivered a flawless performance afterward.

Benjamin Pavard – 6/10

Calm and composed with the ball at his feet, the Frenchman almost had nothing to do in defense. Sergio Canales never put his credentials to the test.

Matteo Darmian – 6/10

Though he has never been famous for his offensive skills, the aging wingback should’ve put an early chance away. Yet, he skyed the ball over the bar, even though the goalkeeper was well off the line.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 5/10

His passes were clean and precise but without any effect. Refused to take risky plays and failed to provide a spark in the front third.

Kristjan Asllani – 7/10

Despite some shaky moments early on, Hakan Calhanoglu’s deputy had an impressive game. His forward passes were spot on, while his outstanding set-piece delivery helped Inter draw level.

Nicolo Barella – 7/10

The diminutive midfielder was on another level. Virtually untouchable, he had all the freedom to drift between the lines, pulling all the strings in Inter’s attack.

Carlos Augusto – 8/10

He should’ve picked an assist immediately after Monterrey’s opener, but Sebastiano Esposito failed to turn his teasing low cross home. However, Lautaro couldn’t miss from there after he served him up on a platter.

Sebastiano Esposito – 3/10

With the transfer window picking up a head of steam, he may regret wasting that glorious chance in the first half. If it was any consolation, his overall showing was commendable, especially his role in the build-up.

Lautaro Martinez – 7/10

Seemingly frustrated with how the season ended for Inter, El Toro often cut a forlorn figure. The goal was a simple tap-in, but he was in the right place at the right time as always. A player of his caliber should’ve scored in that 77th minute.

Substitutes

Luis Henrique – 6/10

Petar Sucic – 5/10