Inter Milan Player Ratings vs Udinese: 8.5/10 for MOTM Martinez; Young, Hakimi, Vecino get 7.5 or more

Lautaro Martinez & Ashley Young emerge as star performers as Inter Milan finish their Serie A campaign with a 5-1 win over Udinese.

Inter Milan sign off their 2020/21 campaign in an emphatic fashion, securing a thumping 5-1 win over Udinese at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on Sunday. The result sees them finish the season with a total of 91 points, as they kickstart their celebration after securing the Scudetto and breaking Juventus’ hegemony over Italian football.

The Nerazzurri looked like the better team right from the beginning, dominating possession and causing problems for the opposition defence. Ashley Young drew first blood, using some nice link-up with Lautaro Martinez to put the ball past Juan Musso. The goal forced Udinese to take up a more defensive approach.

However, Christian Eriksen, a substitute for the injured Stefano Sensi, made another breakthrough for Inter, just before half-time by scoring from a direct free-kick. It opened the floodgates a bit, as the hosts scored their third goal in the 55th minute through Lautaro Martinez and were 4-0 up at the midway point of the second half.

The last goal of the game for Inter was scored by Romelu Lukaku, although Udinese did manage to find a consolation goal when Eriksen’s handball led to a penalty – paving the way for Roberto Pereyra to put the ball past Daniele Padelli. Here, at The Hard Tackle, we will run the rule over the Inter Milan players in their convincing 5-1 victory over Udinese in their final match of the 2020/21 Serie A campaign.

Samir Handanovic: 6/10

Samir Handanovic barely had to do anything in the first half, as Udinese struggled to create any chance going forward. He was subbed at half-time, but he won’t care much as the Slovenian lifted the first major trophy of his professional career, soon after the goal. A fantastic season for the goalkeeper and indeed Inter.

Danilo D’Ambrosio: 6.5/10

Danilo D’Ambrosio was given a rare start in this last game for Inter, ahead of Milan Skriniar. The Italian could not offer the darting balls forward like his teammates but remained disciplined enough for the most part of the game. A rather decent performance from the defender, who will be disappointed to have conceded a late goal.

Andrea Ranocchia: 7/10

Andrea Ranocchia operated at the heart of the three-man Inter backline. The experienced centre-back deserves a lot of credit for nullifying the threat of the physically strong Stefano Okaka for the most part of the game. A relatively solid defensive display from the Inter defender, although his future at the club remains uncertain.

Alessandro Bastoni: 6.5/10

Alessandro Bastoni was the only first-team regular who started as part of the three-man Inter Milan backline this afternoon. It was a wise move from Antonio Conte considering the fact that a wing-back system often requires a centre-back who can bring the ball out from the back. Bastoni did just that threading 62 passes with an accuracy of 97%. A strong finish to the campaign for the young defensive gem.

Achraf Hakimi: 7.5/10

Achraf Hakimi produced another impressive display on the flanks, bombarding the opposition defence with his offensive runs. There was room for improvement in his defensive game, but it is normal from a wing-back in a three at the back system. The former Dortmund ace also won a penalty after restart, paving the way for Lautaro Martinez to score Inter’s third goal.

Matias Vecino: 7.5/10

Matias Vecino made a solid impression upon his return to the starting eleven. The Uruguayan international looked solid in transition, carrying the ball forward well while also spreading it out wide. Registered the assist for Perisic’s goal, although it was really a solo effort from the winger.

Roberto Gagliardini: 6/10

Roberto Gagliardini was operating in the middle of the Inter Milan midfield, trying to dictate the tempo of the game. The Italian, though, wasn’t as impressive as some of his teammates. The midfielder was not involved in crunch situations but did just enough to help the Nerazzurri dominate the game.

Stefano Sensi: 5/10

Stefano Sensi’s afternoon was cut short when he picked up an injury in the first half, that prompted Conte to take him off just before half-time. He was replaced by Christian Eriksen.

Ashley Young: 8/10

In what could possibly be his final appearance for Inter Milan, Ashley Young got the party started for his team with a brilliant one-two and finish to find an early opener. The veteran genuinely looked good, especially with his forays down the flanks that caused problems for the Udinese backline.

Andrea Pinamonti: 5/10

Andrea Pinamonti was given a rare starting opportunity in this final game of the season for Inter Milan. The youngster, though, struggled to impact the game, which was unsurprising as he had played just 98 minutes of league football heading into this fixture. He was replaced by Alexis Sanchez around the hour-mark.

Lautaro Martinez: 8.5/10

Lautaro Martinez was by far the best player of the game for Inter. The Argentine started the game well, providing the assist for Young’s opener, before scoring a penalty in the second half to extend his side’s lead. Also looked dangerous with his movements in the final third, as the forward finishes the 2020/21 campaign on a positive note.

Substitutes

Christian Eriksen: 7.5/10

Christian Eriksen replaced the injured Sensi just before half-time. The Dane improved Inter’s approach play, while also doubling their lead with a goal from a free-kick. The playmaker, though, conceded a late penalty to allow Udinese a consolation goal.

Daniele Padelli: 6/10

Daniele Padelli had some nervy moments in goal after replacing Handanovic at half-time. Couldn’t have done anything to save Roberto Pereyra’s late penalty, though.

Romelu Lukaku: 6.5/10

Romelu Lukaku was extremely lucky to find the 71st-minute goal as the ball came off the crossbar and hit his body to find the back of the net. A rather bizarre way to cap off a brilliant season in Serie A.

Ivan Perisic: 7.5/10

Ivan Perisic was the most impactful substitute for Inter Milan, causing all kinds of problems for the Udinese defence with his movements out wide. Also scored the most stunning goal of the game, by curling the ball in from the left hand side. A virtuoso display from the experienced winger.

Alexis Sanchez: 6.5/10

Alexis Sanchez deserves a lot of credit for helping Lukaku score the fifth goal for Inter, as it was his shot that deflected off the crossbar.