Player Ratings

Inter Milan 2-1 Benevento — Player ratings

The mediocrity continues.

By M.A. Clark@MatthewClark76 Oct 1, 2017, 7:04pm CEST

Benevento Calcio v FC Internazionale - Serie A

Yes, Marcelo Brozovic broke Inter Milan’s first-half scoring drought, but the defense didn’t do us any favors as bottom-of-the-table Benevento had several opportunities to equalize and only their lack of attacking experience was the only thing stopping the Nerazzurri from giving the southern Italians their first points of the season.

Handanovic — 6.5

The Nerazzurri net-minder struggled to keep the defense in line as Christian Lombardi and Marco D’Alessandro tested the backline from late in the first half thorugh the rest of the game. The lone goal wasn’t really his fault as D’Alessandro took advantage of some miscommunication between defenders to work around and into an angle to score. Otherwise, the most Handanovic had to battle was the sun in the second half.

D’Ambrosio — 6

Had solid passes and had a great feed to Brozovic on his second goal. But, overall the defense was unimpressive against a team that scored just one goal, ONE, coming into the game. Struggled with D’Alessandro throughout the entire game.

Skriniar — 7

This kid continues to impress. Had a good strike in the first half, but Belec was able to come up with the save. Could keep Benevento off one side of the field, but it left D’Alessandro to challenge on the right side where D’Ambrosio struggled to keep pace with.

Miranda — 6

If not for him getting tied up by D’Alessandro, Inter would have likely had a clean sheet against Benevento. But, Joao Miranda got caught up in some miscommunication — which is a little unlikely — and allowed the home side some hope in the first half.

Nagatomo — 6

He started strong then, well, he became Nagatomo. As the season goes on, the Japanese international continues to show signs of weakening earlier and earlier in the game. Otherwise was inconsistent on the attack and was subbed for Dalbert late in the game.

Vecino — 6

While he puts himself in position to make plays in the midfield, one thing the Uruguayan doesn’t do is fight back when dispossessed. The trend is when the ball is taken away from him, Vecino tends to not give chase, which happened a few times against Benevento.

Valero — 6

Moved with little haste during the game. He has come close to scoring, but can never seem to finish. He can make something happen, but didn’t seem to move too quickly to actually make something happen.

Candreva — 6.5

Had a nice feed to Brozovic for a goal in the first half and found himself battling a few times. Overall, not a bad performance.

Brozovic — 7

Well, he finally came through. Had two nice goals in the first half and was the difference-maker in giving the Nerazzurri enough of a cushion to win the game.

Perisic — 6

Was never really present on the field. Didn’t create much and didn’t show the attacking prowess we have seen from the Croatian before.

Icardi — 6

This is another case of not really being present on the field. Wasn’t really neutralized by Benevento’s defense but did a good job neutralizing himself.

Luciano Spalletti — 6.5

I really hope the boss has a shortlist for some midfield and defense backups when the transfer season opens in a few months. We have done a good job keeping our weaknesses from making a big impact, but you have to figure our luck is going to run out at some point.

Substitutes:

Gagliardini — 6

Came on for Valero in the 78^th minute. I’m not sure if it is just me, but it seems the Nerazzurri seem to put on a better, more balanced attack when he is on the field. The downside — and most likely the reason he isn’t starting — turnovers and silly mistakes. Stop trying to be cute with the ball and actually make something happen with it.

Joao Mario — 6

Kind of a ‘meh’ game for the Portuguese. We’ve seen the flair and potential for special play from Mario. Today was not one of those days.

Dalbert — N/S

Not really on the field long enough to give a score.

Man of the Match:

Skriniar

I know, I know, Brozovic scored the two goals, but I am not one who believes just because you score makes you the most important player on the field.

Skriniar continues to impress with his smart play and his ability to learn and adapt to the system quickly. He’s not trying to do too much and has been a player opposing coaches have to plan for now. He nearly found the back of the net for the second time this season with a shot that was smart, just lacked that little bit you would expect from an attacking midfielder. I have a suspicion that will come soon from Skriniar.