Winners and Losers: Sampdoria’s early second-half goal salvages 2-2 draw versus Inter

The Serie A returned this past weekend as the international break came to an end. Inter Milan traveled to the Luigi Ferraris to face Sampdoria in an entertaining affair between the two sides. Federico Dimarco opened the score with a beautiful strike on a set piece outside Sampdoria’s box. However, minutes after the half-hour mark, Mario Yoshida scored for Sampdoria and it was the club’s first goal this season.

Right before half-time, Lautaro Martinez scored to give Inter their second lead in the match. The lead was short as right after the interval, Sampdoria scored off a brilliant goal from Tomaso Augello. It was a hard-fought draw from Sampdoria, who earned a valuable point. As for Inter, they will be disappointed that they didn’t leave the Luigi Ferraris with the full three points as they wasted numerous opportunities to win this match.

So, who are the winners and losers from Inter’s 2-2 draw versus Sampdoria?

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Winner: Nicolo Barella

It was an outstanding performance from Inter midfielder, Nicolo Barella, as he continues to cement himself as one of the best midfielders in Serie A. Throughout the match, he dictated the tempo and controlled the midfield with his physical play and ability to win challenges. He completed the most passes in the final third with 14 and had the most key passes with two as he was effective when Inter were on the attack.

Late in the first half, Barella showed some brilliant individual skill as he managed to get past two Sampdoria players and followed with a beautiful pass towards Martinez which led to their second goal. Barella showed good composure, excellent dribbling and his movement was exquisite.

Barella covered the most space throughout the match as he ran 11.10 kms. He was impactful at both ends of the pitch as he gave his side a chance to win this match.

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Loser: Samir Handanovic

It was a consecutive dreadful performance from Inter goalkeeper, Samir Handanovic, as he looked shaky throughout the match. He wasn’t tested often, yet when Sampdoria were attacking, he struggled to make the simple save. The Blucerchiati’s opening goal started off a corner kick which was delivered accurately into the box.

Augello scored in the following sequence as his shot deflected off Inter striker, Edin Džeko and into the back of the net. Handanovic should have made an attempt to challenge for the ball and clear it towards safety.

Late in the second half, Handanovic made another mistake and this time it was from a shot by Antonio Candreva. From near the corner flag, Candreva delivered an attempted shot on goal which caught Handanovic off guard and led to a massive rebound. Fortunately, no Sampdoria player was in the area, however, it was a routine save that the Inter goalkeeper failed to make.

How many more chances will Handanovic have before Inter manager, Simone Inzaghi, decides to put in backup goalkeeper, Ionut Radu? It appears that it’s a matter of time before Inzaghi has to make a big decision in goal.

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Winner: Bartosz Bereszynski

It would be unfair not to declare any Sampdoria players as clear winners in this hard-fought draw. A notable player who was impactful at both ends of the pitch was Bartosz Bereszynski. The Polish player showed good pace, made timely challenges, and was effective when Sampdoria created chances.

Bereszynski set up Sampdoria’s second goal which led to their tie. From outside the box, he delivered an accurate cross towards Augello, who scored a beautiful goal yet it was how Beresyznski was able to make the pass that was far more impressive. He made a good run into open space, received the pass from Fabio Quagliarella, and made a brilliant move to get around Hakan Calhanoglu. He was composed, showed good vision, and didn’t force the pass until he had plenty of space and executed it perfectly.

Aside from earning an assist, Bereszynski finished the match with one key pass, two successful dribbles, one clearance, and one accurate cross.

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Loser: Hakan Calhanoglu

Inter should have won this match and let three points slip away from them. Calhanoglu, Perisic, and Martinez wasted golden opportunities. Most notably, early in the second half, Calhanoglu had ample space and time to score from outside Sampdoria’s box. His shot had plenty of power behind it yet it lacked accuracy as he missed the target. On numerous occasions, he looked poor as he was caught out of position, made poor attempts for the ball, or conceded a turnover. Defensively, he failed to pick up his man and on the offense, he didn’t capitalize when he had chances.

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Loser: Stefano Sensi

The Nerazzurri were forced to play the final ten minutes down a man as Stefano Sensi picked up an injury. He was inserted into the game at the 67^th minute and didn’t last long after colliding knee to knee with a Sampdoria player. Inzaghi ran out of substitutions and, as a result, was left in a difficult situation. The club must decide on what they plan to do in regards with Sensi as the midfielder is proving to be a liability. They might need to look towards the January transfer market for a replacement.

Sensi has plenty of talent yet it seems that if he is unable to stay fit it will really go to waste. Anytime he touches the pitch, he’s forced to leave the game quickly.

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Winner: Federico Dimarco

The goal of the match needs to go to Dimarco. He scored a sublime goal off a free kick with Sampdoria goalkeeper, Emil Audero, having no chance to make the save. It could be an early candidate for goal of the season. It was Dimarco’s first start this season for the Nerazzurri and he settled in well in place of the injured Alessandro Bastoni.

He looked comfortable and composed in the backend as he asserted himself beside Stefan De Vrij. After an impressive loan spell last season with Hellas Verona, Dimarco is off to a great start this season with Inter.