Alessandro Bastoni and Nicolo Barella stood out but Lautaro Martinez was sub-par as Inter Milan were held to a 0-0 draw by Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday.
In a game that was thoroughly dominated by them, Inter Milan carved out a number of openings to break the deadlock. However, a combination of abhorring finishing and some stellar work between the sticks by Anatolii Trubin meant that the frustrated visitors could never breach the Shakhtar Donetsk goal.
On the opposite end, the hosts were well contained by Inter Milan, whose defence put in a near-perfect shift. In the end, the game petered out to be a goalless draw that had some fascinating action but lacked substance for the most part. The Hard Tackle now runs the rule over Antonio Conte’s men.
⌛ | FULL-TIME
A deeply frustrating evening for the Nerazzurri, who are held to another draw in the #UCL#ShakhtarInter 0⃣-0⃣#FORZAINTER ⚫️? pic.twitter.com/Ttp6Fn9VtK
— Inter (@Inter_en) October 27, 2020
Samir Handanovic: 6/10
A quiet evening for the most part for Handanovic, who barely had anything to do against Shakhtar Donetsk. The Inter Milan captain was forced into just one save all game in addition to punching away a free-kick. Kept things simple with the ball at his feet, completing each of his 14 attempted passes.
Danilo D’Ambrosio: 6/10
With Inter Milan dominating the game, D’Ambrosio did not have much defending to do in Kyiv. The Italian international took up advanced positions on the pitch, supporting Achraf Hakimi in the final third. However, he was rather wasteful in possession, losing the ball 11 times. Did create 1 chance, though, which was not converted.
Stefan de Vrij: 6.5/10
Back into the starting lineup, this was a good game for de Vrij to build up his sharpness. With the hosts pinned in their own half for the most part, the Dutchman concentrated more on stitching together vertical passes during build-up play, something he did quite well, misplacing just 3 passes all game. Hardly troubled on the defensive front, he still completed 3 interceptions.
Alessandro Bastoni: 7/10
The standout performer at the back, Bastoni’s star just continues to rise. The 22-year-old had the task of keeping Tete, who was the difference maker for Shakhtar Donetsk against Real Madrid, quiet; and, he did so admirably, never letting the Brazilian get on top of him. Made a team-high 8 recoveries while never losing an aerial duel (5/5 won). A gem at Conte’s disposal.
Achraf Hakimi: 5/10
Back into the side after his cameo on the weekend, Hakimi endured a tough day at work against Shakhtar Donetsk. While the Moroccan international was not put under the cosh defensively by the hosts, his output on the ball was rather disappointing. Played in just 2 accurate crosses, although 1 did create an opening. Cleaned up his act defensively, winning 100% of his duels (6/6).
Nicolo Barella: 7/10
A frustrating outing for Barella, though very little of it was through his own doing. The Italian ran the show for Inter Milan on Tuesday, spraying some dangerous long balls to open up play while also putting in a shift defensively. Nearly scored a peach of a volley, only to see his effort smash the crossbar.
Marcelo Brozovic: 7/10
The orchestrator in the middle of the park for Inter Milan, Brozovic was in his elements against Shakhtar Donetsk. In what was a fantastic all round showing by the Croat, he played in the most key passes (4), creating arguably the best chance of the night. Off the ball there was no way past him for the most part, although the defence did cover up for him when he was dribbled past. Solid.
Arturo Vidal: 7/10
Continuing his run in the starting lineup, Vidal was the enforcer for Inter Milan against Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday. The Chilean won a staggering 9 duels while completing 4 interceptions. Some fine moments on the ball as well, with Vidal creating a couple of openings. Top quality display.
Ashley Young: 6.5/10
Back into the starting lineup after completing his recovery from the coronavirus, Young was a fine outlet for Inter Milan whenever the moves did flow from his flank. The former Manchester United captain played 1 key pass on the night, but his crosses did not always reach the intended target. Did some solid work off the ball, winning 5 duels.
Romelu Lukaku: 6.5/10
The standout for Inter Milan against Genoa, Lukaku was once again the danger man for his side. The target man for his midfielders, the Belgian striker nearly found the back of the net with a powerfully struck free-kick, only to see the inspired Antolii Trubin tip the ball onto the crossbar.
⚒️ Trubin coming out on top against Lukaku not once but twice ?#UCL pic.twitter.com/hiJLkXyMaS
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) October 27, 2020
The Shakhtar goalkeeper frustrated him a second time as well while Lukaku also missed a couple of big chances. Created couple of chances too, but it just was not to be for the star striker, whose fine scoring run in Europe finally ended in Kyiv.
Lautaro Martinez: 4/10
The frustrations continue for Martinez, who just cannot get up to top form this season. With Inter Milan looking to create the game around Lukaku, the Argentine often cut an isolated figure. When he did manage to get on the end of an opening, he was sloppy with his finishing, notably missing a sitter from close range. Something has got to give for Lautaro.
SUBSTITUTES
Ivan Perisic: 5/10
On for Martinez, Perisic was played in the Alexis Sanchez role by Conte. However, the Croat just did not look comfortable, losing the ball an alarming 10 times. Inter Milan do need Sanchez back as soon as possible.
Christian Eriksen: N/A
With Inter Milan failing to carve open the Shakhtar Donetsk defence late on, Conte threw Eriksen on in place of Vidal. However, there was very little time for the Dane to do anything and he really should have been subbed on earlier than he was.
Matteo Darmian: N/A
On for the final 10 minutes, Darmian was hardly involved.
Andrea Pinamonti: N/A
A late introduction, Pinamonti touched the ball just 3 times.
