Sampdoria ended Inter Milan’s 100% record in Serie A after both sides battled to an entertaining 2-2 draw at the Marassi.
Simone Inzaghi’s Inter Milan might have come into this clash as overwhelming favourites, only for Sampdoria to peg them back twice on the way to an entertaining 2-2 draw at the Marassi. The result ends the Nerazzuri’s 100% record this season after winning their previous two fixtures.
Sampdoria have struggled in recent seasons against Inter, making them one of Nerazzuri’s favourite opponents. However, Roberto D’Aversa’s men showed plenty of character to brush aside the recent past and put up a stubborn performance.
With a well-taken free-kick, Federico Dimarco opened the scoring for Inter Milan, only for defender Maya Yoshida to equalise through a deflected effort. Lautaro Martinez – a surprise inclusion in the lineup after taking part in Argentina’s late international fixture – restored the lead just before halftime with a wonderfully taken volley.
Sampdoria needed only two minutes into the second half to score yet another leveller, with Tommaso Augello volleyed in his shot beyond Samir Handanovic. Manager Inzaghi will be content with the point but utterly disappointed to lose momentum in the league after relinquishing their 100% record. Here’s how Inter Milan’s players rated during their 2-2 draw against Sampdoria.
Samir Handanovic – 5/10
Handanovic was hardly tested during the opening periods but helpless to prevent Yoshida’s deflected shot. He was at his normal composed self, in moments protecting his area. For the second goal, the Slovenian watched on as Augello shot past him.
Milan Skriniar – 6/10
Inter’s shape meant Skriniar had more responsibility at the back. The Slovakian was often the composed character, while his partner on the other side battled with Sampdoria forwards. His block to prevent Francesco Caputo from getting into a scoring position was a personal highlight.
Stefan de Vrij – 6/10
While Skriniar marshalled the backline, De Vrij was left to do the battling and dirty work as Fabio Quagliarella made life difficult for the Dutchman. De Vrij also dealt with Morten Thorsby’s constant threatening runs but did well to not let them create anything of real danger.
Federico Dimarco – 7/10
Gripping performance from Dimarco from the left side of a back three, doing the more adventurous work of the lot. He broke the deadlock with a wonderfully taken free-kick, giving no chance for the Sampdoria keeper to do anything about it.
Matteo Darmian – 4.5/10
A difficult game for Darmian, failing to deal with Sampdoria attackers on his side. His lack of positioning in defence allowed Augello the time and space to pick his volley and score the second equaliser.
Nicolo Barella – 8/10
Barella continued to wield his influence in Inter’s midfield with another masterful performance. To assist Martinez’s goal, Barella whipped a stunning ball after skipping past challenges, which was truly the game’s moment of magic.
Marcelo Brozivic – 5.5/10
He battled hard to protect his defence and win the ball at times. Got booked for a needless and rash challenge on Antonio Candreva. Otherwise, nothing grand to show off his performance.
Hakan Calhanoglu – 6/10
The Turkish star would have loved to show more creative authority in the game but had his moments. One of which was to win the ball back and set the move in motion for the second goal. Could have scored as well, only to drag his shot wide from the edge of the box.
Ivan Perisic – 4.5/10
Perisic struggled for most periods to make a notable contribution to the attack. He got into good positions when he could have scored or assisted but did neither.
Edin Dzeko – 6/10
Provided support for Martinez, who ventured just ahead of him. While Dzeko’s movement was slow, defenders found it hard to knock him out of possession. However, he would be disappointed Yoshida’s strike deflected off him to fall into the net.
Lautaro Martinez – 7/10
A surprise name on the teamsheet, but showed no signs of fatigue despite arriving late from his international commitments. He scored a terrific volleyed goal for Inter’s second of the day.
Substitutes
Arturo Vidal – 5.5/10
Inzaghi was hoping to refresh his midfield options a bit with the experience of Vidal, but he couldn’t provide the goal that Inter so desperately needed.
Danilo D’Ambrosio – 6.5/10
Came on for Perisic and was a solid defensive outlet to prevent any more Sampdoria attacks, especially through the dangerous Candreva. However, the highlight for D’Ambrosio would be the goal-line clearance from Mikkel Damsgaard’s shot, which certainly saved Inter a potential loss.
Joaquin Correa – 6/10
Replaced Martinez in attack and was a lively presence, trying to create a goal for his team. In the end, he couldn’t replicate his form from the first two games.
Denzel Dumfries – 5/10
He came on for goalscorer Dimarco as Inter looked to regain their lead. He still looks out of place and not in his usual attacking self.
Stefano Sensi – 5/10
Replaced Calhanoglu to bring some direct, creative output. He was lively but sat out injured in the final minutes of the game.
