Inter 1 – Sassuolo 2: Player Ratings

Those expecting Inter to use Stefano Pioli’s sacking as a wakeup call – motivation to close out the final home match of the season with a win – will surely be disappointed today. Inter lost 1-2 to Sassuolo, as the losing streak has been stretched to a maddening four straight matches.

Here’s my take on how the players preformed in the disappointing loss:

Players

Samir Handanovic – 6

The Slovenian made a couple saves today, and cannot be blamed for either of Pietro Iemmello’s goals. Not much more to say.

Danilo D’Ambrosio – 5.5

Out of all four players who started in Inter’s backline, D’Ambrosio had the best game today. That’s pretty sad considering he lost countless battles with Matteo Politano on the wing.

Jeison Murillo – 4

Absolutely gifted Sassuolo their first goal when Stefano Sensi stripped the ball away from him to set up the counter attack. It’ll probably be best to avoid playing out the back through Murillo again.

Marco Andreolli – 5

Andreolli wasn’t horrible, but like the entire team, he failed to close down Lirola on the second goal. Let’s hope Miranda is back next week.

Yuto Nagatomo – 4.5

Death, taxes, and Yuto Nagatomo making undeserved starts for Inter Milan. Despite the change of coaches, the Japanese left back was given yet another appearance in the Starting XI. Nagatomo was pretty invisible in this match before getting subbed off for Ansaldi at the break. I guess that’s an improvement.

Marcelo Brozovic – 4.5

The Croatian failed to make an impact in this match. He never seemed to be able make the correct pass, and was booed by the home fans. Not a great day for Brozovic.

Roberto Gagliardini – 5

The young midfielder lost countless battles to Stefano Sensi, and wasn’t able to make an impact. Gagliardini seems to be someone that plays to level of his teammates. It’s not surprising that he’s struggled during the losing streak.

Joao Mario – 5

An ugly first half from the Portuguese saw him needlessly lose the ball time and time again. Not many were upset with Vecchi when he took Joao Mario off at halftime.

Antonio Candreva – 5

Different day, same story for the Italian. His crosses weren’t great once again, but at least he caused Federico Peluso issues on the right wing.

Ivan Perisic – 5.5

The Croatian played well at the start of the match, and very nearly put Inter ahead 1-0. Unfortunately, he didn’t, and everything went downhill from there.

Mauro Icardi – 5

Inter’s captain saw his one clear chance ring off the post. Credit to Sassuolo, they were able to deny service to Icardi and virtually shut him down.

Substitutes

Cristian Ansaldi – 5.5

Was an improvement over Nagatomo, so that’s a start.

Eder – 6.5

While I’m sure most Inter fans would’ve preferred to see Gabriel Barbosa for the entire second half, Eder played well enough, and scored Inter’s only goal of the game. It was an encouraging performance from the Italian.

Gabriel Barbosa – N/A

Gabigol only played 12 minutes, as Inter put the pressure on Sassuolo towards the end of the match. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to properly judge the Brazilian.

Manager

Stefano Vecchi – 5

Vecchi is not to blame for the loss. The players gave up on this season long again, and it’s hard to steer a ship that’s taken on as much water as Inter have this year. While it would’ve been great to see the players truly respond to Pioli’s sacking, their failure isn’t on the caretaker coach.