The Cult of Calcio
·30. Oktober 2024
The Cult of Calcio
·30. Oktober 2024
Reigning Serie A title holders Inter delivered a clinical second-half performance to thrash Empoli 3-0 at Stadio Carlo Castellani. Wednesday’s triumph was Inter’s seventh consecutive on this ground, with each seeing them keep a clean sheet.
Pressured to return to winning ways following a 4-4 draw against Juventus, Inter headed into the game looking to whittle down a seven-point deficit on early pacesetters Napoli.
Despite seeing Matteo Darmian’s early opener disallowed by VAR, Simone Inzaghi’s side continued to put pressure on Empoli. The hosts fought valiantly until Saba Goglichidze’s expulsion for a reckless tackle on Marcus Thuram just after the half-hour mark.
However, Inter had to wait until early in the second half to break the deadlock. Davide Frattesi pounced on Darmian’s assist to open the scoring. The same player doubled the visitors’ advantage midway through the second before Lautaro Martinez put the icing on the cake.
After another convincing win against Empoli, Inter are back to within a four-point distance of Antonio Conte’s side. More importantly, Inzaghi’s team showed the same defensive resilience that guided them to the Scudetto last term.
Without further ado, let’s look at our Inter ratings.
Yann Sommer – 6
After conceding four goals on Sunday, the Swiss goalkeeper didn’t have a busy day at the Castellani, having only had to make one routine save.
Yann Bisseck – 7
Slotted in for Benjamin Pavard, the German youngster was part of the season Empoli generated a miserable 0.36 xG.
Stefan de Vrij – 7
Back to his usual best after a sluggish display against Juventus, the Dutch veteran almost effortlessly dealt with Lorenzo Colombo.
Alessandro Bastoni – 7.5
It was another reassuring performance from the Italian defender, who also participated heavily in the build-up play, especially after Inter went a man up.
Federico Dimarco – 6.5
Though he came close to scoring in the first half with a thunderous effort from distance, his signature crosses were a premium this evening.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 6.5
Not as impressive as he was a couple of days ago, the Armenian star did all the heavy lifting in the engine room to let the others dictate the play.
Nicolo Barella – 7
Replacing Hakan Calhanoglu suits the diminutive ace, as he established himself as Inter’s driving force tonight with another electrifying showing.
Davide Frattesi – 8
There’s not much more Inter could ask from their free-scoring midfielder than what he did today. Decided that match with two well-taken goals to cement himself as one of Serie A’s most prolific non-forwards.
Marcus Thuram – 7
Despite not getting on the board, the Frenchman drew a game-defining red card in the first half and continued to cause all sorts of headaches to Empoli’s defenders afterward.
Lautaro Martinez – 7.5
After failing to score against Juventus and wasting several chances in the opening hour of play, the Argentine striker returned to the scoresheet with a deadly left-footed finish.
Denzel Dumfries – 6.5
Benjamin Pavard – 7
Piotr Zielinski – 6.5