Inter Player Ratings vs Lazio: Flying Dutchman Saves Nerazzurri

Serie A champions Inter left it late to claim a draw against European contenders Lazio in Sunday’s heavyweight clash at Giuseppe Meazza. Simone Inzaghi’s men were 1-0 down at halftime, but Denzel Dumfries’ 87th-minute equalizer settled a dramatic 1-1 draw.

Lazio’s furious start saw the visitors find the net inside the opening four minutes, only for VAR to disallow Taty Castellanos’ strike for offside. However, Igor Tudor’s side headed into the break 1-0 up as Daichi Kamada scored a rare Serie A goal to put Biancocelesti in front. 

Forced to search for a way back into the game, Inter assumed control in the second half but couldn’t penetrate Lazio’s stubborn backline. When it looked like the capital-based outfit would become only the second Serie A team after Sassuolo to beat Nerazzurri this term, Dumfries showed up.

The Dutchman’s fourth league goal of the season helped Inter avoid defeat and preserve a near-flawless home record this season (W14, D4, L1). Despite failing to win their last league match of 2023/24 at Meazza, Nerazzurri can be proud of their home campaign as we look at our player ratings. 

Inter (3-5-2)

Yann Sommer – 6

As two of Lazio’s three attempts on target ended up in the back of the net, it wasn’t a satisfying evening for the Swiss goalkeeper

Benjamin Pavard – 7

Following a stuttering start, the Frenchman grew into the contest to help Inter fend off Lazio in the second half, winning virtually every one-on-one against Mattia Zaccagni.

Francesco Acerbi – 7.5

Back to the starting XI after a minor injury, the ex-Lazio center-back enjoyed an impressive game, dominating Castellanos in the air while timing his tackles to perfection.

Alessandro Bastoni – 7

Like his defensive colleagues, the Italian was superb for most of the game, especially in the build-up play, showing composure and class on the ball. 

Matteo Darmian – 6

Despite holding up his end of the bargain in defense, Inter needed someone better-suited for attacking maneuvers, hence Dumfries’ introduction in the second half.

Nicolo Barella – 6.5

The dynamic midfielder can’t be happy about his today’s performance. Imprecision often let him down in crucial moments.

Hakan Calhanoglu – 7

After being rested in the last two matches, the Inter playmaker returned to the heart of Inzaghi’s midfield and excelled, pulling all the strings in the engine room with his trademark passes and impeccable vision.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 7

Despite often lacking the final touch, the Armenian fared well today, providing a crucial link between midfield and attack with another energetic showing.

Federico Dimarco – 7

Far more active than Darmian, the Italy international was an omnipresent figure in the front third and even came close to scoring twice in the first half from range.

Marcus Thuram – 5.5

It was a quiet game for the Frenchman, who barely had any impact on proceedings after wasting a glorious chance in the third minute.

Lautaro Martinz – 6

Unlucky to be denied by the post after dispatching a thumping header goalwards, yet like his attacking partner, he didn’t impress today.

Substitutes

Denzel Dumfries – 7.5

Carlos Augusto – 6.5

Davide Frattesi – 6.5

Alexis Sanchez – 7

Tajon Buchanan – 6