Late breakthroughs from Milan Škriniar and Ivan Perišić give Internazionale the full three points against Crotone. It was necessarily the best 90 minute effort from the Nerazzurri, but it was just enough to get the job done. Let’s get to today’s player ratings, shall we?
Samir Handanović - 7
Very impressive performance from the 33-year-old today. This game could’ve finished 2-2 if it weren’t for some stops from the net-minder today. Crotone gave Handanović a bit more of a test than what might have been expected. The Slovenian was strong against the counter attack today. What’s even more impressive was the way he distributed the ball to his defenders and midfielders. Impressive game from our number one.
Dalbert - 6
Personally, I thought Dalbert did well today. As Crotone’s defence was shutting down our wingers, Dalbert was doing his best to replicate. The Brazilian completed some nice passes and showed great interplay between him and the midfielders.
Miranda - 5.5
Miranda really didn’t catch my eye in this one. Part of Crotone’s early attack targeted both of Inter’s center backs. It was working for the first half, and I’m surprise they didn’t exploit it more often. Miranda also picked up a yellow card in the first half, which I didn’t really think was necessary.
Milan Škriniar - 6
The defender has been in good form as of late. He continued the form today with a scrappy late breakthrough goal. Both him and Miranda seemed to have a bit of trouble with the Crotone attackers in the first half, but I’ll take the goal any day of the week.
GOOOOOAAAAALLLL !! #Skriniar with a scrappy goal. #Inter up 1-0. #CrotoneInter pic.twitter.com/Um3s4gisFs
— Lega Serie A (@SerieAchannel) September 16, 2017
Danilo D'Ambrosio - 5.5
Another player that just didn’t really catch the eye for me. In the first half, Inter were playing a lot of rather useless long balls. D'Ambrosio seemed to be apart of that trend for a good portion of the first half, which wasn’t getting Inter anywhere.
Roberto Gagliardini - 5
I hate giving players a low rating like this, but Gagliardini seemed to struggle in this one. It was clear that Crotone had Inter’s wingers locked down for a good portion of time. In truth, that should’ve enabled the midfield to be more creative on the ball. Gagliardini just couldn’t get it done today, which might be why Spalletti brought him off early in the second half.
Borja Valero and Joao Mario - 6.5
Maybe a bit generous, but I thought both Valero and Mario were very creative in midfield today. Mario had some very good chances in both half's and you could see that he had an extra step on Crotone for most of the match. Valero was good in possession today and found ways to link up with Perisic.
Antonio Candreva - 6
Candreva had some moments more specifically when Inter were trying to break the deadlock. Nothing really worth noting on from Candreva today, which could be a good or bad thing.
Ivan Perišić - 6.5
As noted before, Crotone was trying to do everything possible to shut down the supply from Perisic in this match. I thought the Croatian did well in creating chances and staying on the ball as much as he could. Perisic also put the dagger in Crotone, with a sublime finish into the bottom corner.
GOOOOOAAAALLLL!!!! #Perisic keeps scoring. 2-0 #Inter. #CrotoneInter 93' pic.twitter.com/HYJIwgXqAa
— Lega Serie A (@SerieAchannel) September 16, 2017
Mauro Icardi - 6
Icardi couldn’t really do much in this one. He got on the ball a few times, but it wasn’t really anything notable. Either balls were played in too far for Icardi or he couldn’t get a clean first touch on the ball.
Substitutes
Yuto Nagatomo - 6
Nagatomo made his 200th appearance for Inter today. The speedy Japan national made some good plays against Crotone. Nagatomo drew the foul that led to Škriniar’s goal.
Matias Vecino - N/A
Didn’t really notice much of Vecino today to really make a solid judgement on him.
Andrea Ranocchia - N/A
Can’t make a judgement as a result of coming on later in the game.
My Man of the Match
Can’t see Inter winning this game without a solid early contribution from Samir Handanović. Whether it was on the counter, headed attempts, or straight-forward shots - the 33-year-old was up for the challenge. Handanović also earned his second clean sheet in a row. He was wearing an Inter baseball cap today, so maybe that did the trick for the Slovenian and the Nerazzurri.
Poll
Who is your Man of the Match?
This poll is closed
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76%
Samir Handanović
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19%
Milan Škriniar
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0%
Borja Valero
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2%
Ivan Perišić
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0%
Joao Mario
Inter look to continue their impressive star with a fixture against Bologna on Tuesday. Get coverage for that match and this one right here on Serpents of Madonnina.