Inter Milan player ratings as they celebrated their Serie A title triumph in style, thrashing Sampdoria 5-1 with Alexis Sanchez starring with a brace.
Having been crowned the champions of Italy last week, Inter Milan took the field first time their coronation was confirmed against Sampdoria and meant business from the get-go as Roberto Gagliardini got the ball rolling just four minutes in, tucking home a cutback from Ashley Young. The Nerazzurri doubled their lead in the 26th minute, with Gagliardini turning provider for Alexis Sanchez.
Sampdoria pulled one back ten minutes later though with former Inter Milan ace Keita Balde pouncing on the rebound after Samir Handanovic had denied Antonio Candreva. However, Sanchez restored Inter’s two-goal cushion seconds later, firing a cross from Achraf Hakimi into the back of the net via a deflection.
Inter Milan continued to push for goals after the break and substitutes Nicolo Barella and Andrea Pinamonti combined at the hour mark for the latter to bury home the fourth goal before the former won a penalty ten minutes later which was converted by Lautaro Martinez to make it 5-1. It was a statement win from Antonio Conte’s men as they continued their title-winning party with a thumping display against the Blucerchiati.
Here are our Inter Milan player ratings for the game against Sampdoria at San Siro.
Samir Handanovic: 5.5/10
Played just the first half. Stopped Candreva’s effort but Balde buried home the follow-up. Made way for Ionut Radu at half-time.
Danilo D’Ambrosio: 7/10
Coming into the side for Milan Skriniar, the 32-year-old defender put in a solid shift on Saturday. Kept things tight and organised at the back and was sharp and precise with his usage of the ball (87% passes completed), also managing a couple of key passes.
We're having so much fun out there that our two defenders in Ranocchia and D'Ambrosio just do bicycle and overhead kick for fun.
— FedeNerazzurra (@FNerazzurra1908) May 8, 2021
Andrea Ranocchia: 7/10
Much like D’Ambrosia, Ranocchia too was solid and assured in the Inter Milan rearguard, dealing with whatever came his way without much of a trouble. Produced two tackles and three interceptions – joint-highest on the evening as well as making a game-high six clearances. Even had a shot on target.
Alessandro Bastoni: 7/10
The youngster oozed calm and composure when on the ball, playing out of the back with ease while his positioning was also solid, allowing him to cut down any potential threat with ease. Misplaced just four of his 73 attempted passes.
Achraf Hakimi: 7/10
Achraf Hakimi for Inter in Serie A this season:
✅34 games
⚽️7 goals
?️7 assists
⛔️1 penalty won22 years of age. Fantastic numbers. Born to be a wing-back. ⚫️? pic.twitter.com/9RcVtmrUx0
— Football Talent Scout – Jacek Kulig (@FTalentScout) May 8, 2021
Continued his recent good run of form with another attacking display filled with intent on the right. Got forward well and put in the cross for Sanchez’s second goal. Defensively, did his bit as well in what was a good, all-round display from the Moroccan.
Matias Vecino: 6.5/10
A rare start for the Uruguayan who has had to endure an injury-riddled campaign. A good run-out as he worked hard off the ball and offered quality when in possession. Played a part in the move leading to the opening goal. Made one key pass and misplaced just six of his 55 attempted passes.
Christian Eriksen: 6/10
Slotting in as the deepest of the three midfielders for Inter Milan, the Danish international wasn’t always able to get on the ball as much as he would have liked, which limited him from dictating the game from the centre. Managed one key pass though before being taken off.
Roberto Gagliardini: 8/10
Inter/Samp 1-0
Gagliardini (assist Young) #InterSamp pic.twitter.com/T0JCy4N6b4— Biafra Son (@BiafraS41364171) May 8, 2021
Gets a fair bit of stick from fans at times but showed his value on Saturday with a fine performance from the middle of the park. Started the rout with a fine goal before setting Sanchez up with an eye-catching assist for the second one. Posted a pass accuracy of 97% and was progressive every time he got on the ball before being hooked off in the second half.
Ashley Young: 7/10
A solid display from the veteran Englishman who got forward with purpose on the left-hand side and defended stoutly when needed to. Got the assist for the opening goal and made two key passes while also chipping in with three interceptions and two clearances. Did fade a bit with time but a steady performance nonetheless.
Lautaro Martinez: 7/10
May not have been involved a great deal but his clever movement caused the visitors problems while also helping create spaces for those around him. Worked his socks off when not in possession before piling on Sampdoria’s misery with a well-taken penalty in the second half. Made one key pass.
Alexis Sanchez: 8/10
The technique by Alexis Sanchez on this goal ?? pic.twitter.com/elI1uo7PpJ
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) May 8, 2021
Given the nod over his ex-Manchester United teammate, Romelu Lukaku, the Chilean put on one of his finest performances of the season. Lively from the get-go, Sanchez was a thorn in the side for the Blucerchiati well before he found the back of the net to make it 2-0 before doubling his tally with a fine finish before half-time. Made one key pass and one dribble. Amid talks of Inter needing to cut costs by player sales, showed why he needs to be held on.
SUBSTITUTES
Ionut Radu: 6/10
Replaced Handanovic at half-time. Confident outing, although he wasn’t tested a great deal by Sampdoria.
Andrea Pinamonti: 7/10
Replaced Sanchez in the 55th minute. Took his chance well to make it 4-1 and will be hoping to get more opportunities before the season ends.
Marcelo Brozovic: 6/10
Came on in place of Eriksen in the 55th minute. Went about his business in the middle without breaking a sweat, ensuring that Inter stayed on the front foot.
Nicolo Barella: 7/10
Sent on in place of Gagliardini in the 61st minute, Barella made immediate impact by setting Pinamonti up for the fourth goal. He then went on to win the penalty as his shot was handled inside the Sampdoria box.
Stefano Sensi: 6/10
On for Martinez with a little over 15 minutes left. Helped Inter see off the game without any hiccups.
