Edin Dzeko and Lautaro Martinez were among the goalscorers as Inter Milan thrashed Bologna 6-1 at San Siro on Saturday afternoon in Serie A.
Having failed to win their last two games across all competitions, the pressure was on Simone Inzaghi and Inter Milan to turn things around. And that is exactly what they did when they came up against Bologna, as Lautaro Martinez put them ahead just six minutes in, diverting home a Denzel Dumfries cross.
The visitors tried to mount a fight with Roberto Soriano testing Samir Handanovic, but Inter doubled their lead at the half-hour mark as Milan Skriniar headed Federico Dimarco’s corner before Nicolo Barella made it 3-0 four minutes later to put the game to bed. However, the Serie A champions did not take their foot off the gas, with Matias Vecino scoring the fourth goal nine minutes into the second half.
Edin Dzeko, who had come on as a substitute in the first half for Joaquin Correa, then scored a quickfire double just past the hour mark to heap more misery on Bologna and make it 6-0. The Rossoblu did get a consolation goal in the 86th minute through Arthur Theate, but it was a thumping win from the reigning champions of Italy, moving to the top of the Serie A table.
Here are our player ratings for the Inter Milan stars after an emphatic victory.
Samir Handanovic: 6.5/10
Not exerted a great deal, but made a good save to deny Soriano at 1-0 to protect Inter’s lead. Was alert in and around his box throughout but will be disappointed over the late goal which denied him a clean sheet.
Milan Skriniar: 8/10
Rock-solid at the back, as ever, with the Real Madrid transfer target hardly putting a foot wrong defensively throughout the game, making two interceptions and a game-high five clearances. Capped off a fine display with a well-taken goal in the first half that took the wind out of Bologna’s sails.
Stefan de Vrij: 7/10
Another reliable display from the Dutch international, although there were one or two moments when he was edgy at the beginning. Hardly stretched once Inter Milan settled into their rhythm and dominated. Used the ball very well.
Alessandro Bastoni: 7/10
Kept his side locked down against the wily Marko Arnautovic, attempting and winning four tackles – the joint-highest in the game. Calm and composed when on the ball, completed 95% of his passes and helped Inter stay on top with his distribution.
Denzel Dumfries: 7.5/10
Big win in front of home fans! ⚫️? No better feeling. #ForzaInter pic.twitter.com/oglN92nURo
— Denzel Dumfries (@DenzelJMD2) September 18, 2021
Getting the nod ahead of Matteo Darmian at right wing-back, the Dutchman put in a fine all-round display. Got forward well, showing good purpose when driving with the ball while being solid defensively. Got the assist for Martinez’s opening goal with a good cross and played a joint game-high three key passes.
Matias Vecino: 7/10
Handed a rare start ahead of Hakan Calhanoglu in the middle of the park, the Uruguayan put in a good shift. Kept things ticking along nicely, helping Inter stay on top. Took his goal really well in the second half to make it 4-0.
Marcelo Brozovic: 7.5/10
Saw plenty of the ball and made very good use of it, ensuring that Inter Milan were in control of the contest throughout the game. Distribution was spot on, even got forward at times to keep Bologna pinned down. Got an assist on the evening, setting Dzeko up for his first goal of the game, had a shot saved as well, while being efficient in his off-the-ball work.
Nicolo Barella: 8/10
Shifted to the left-side of the midfield and made the transition smoothly, driving forward at every given opportunity and carrying a threat each time he was on the ball. Reacted well to find the back of the net to make it 3-0 in the first half. Also played three key passes, a joint game-high.
Federico Dimarco: 8/10
#InterBologna 4-0#Vecino (assist #Dimarco) pic.twitter.com/Wm5kmJs4Vi
— SF Zorro (@ZorroeI) September 18, 2021
Proving to be a fine addition to the ranks after his loan spell away. Got the assist for the second goal with a pinpoint delivery from a corner and then had a hand in Vecino’s goal as well as Dzeko’s second strike in the second period. Such a threat with his energetic forays on the left, even had a shot saved on the day.
Joaquin Correa: 6/10
Started brightly and looked lively in the early exchanges, but his day came to a premature end as he was taken off with an injury around the half-hour mark.
Lautaro Martinez: 8/10
Showed that he can take over from Romelu Lukaku as the main man in attack for Inter Milan with a fine all-round display leading the line. Got the team up and running with a good strike, getting on the end of Dumfries’ cross. Came close to adding another early in the second half but his effort bounced off the woodwork. Subbed off in the 67th minute.
SUBSTITUTES
Edin Dzeko: 8/10
Edin Dzeko’s two home games for Inter in Serie A This Season:
⚽️?️ vs. Genoa
⚽️⚽️ vs. BolognaOne of the most underrated Strikers
#InterBologna #SerieA pic.twitter.com/fcnbk6HqdA— AiScore (@aiscoreofficial) September 18, 2021
Replaced the injured Correa in the first period. Looked good after coming on, showed some neat link-up play and even played a couple of key passes. Took his chances well, to add two goals after the break to add more sheen to the scoreline.
Andrea Ranocchia: 6/10
On for de Vrij in the 67th minute. Kept things steady.
Alexis Sanchez: 6.5/10
Looked lively after replacing Martinez. Some neat interplay and movement and created a couple of chances for Dimarco late in the game.
Aleksandar Kolarov: 6/10
On for Bastoni in the 74th minute, providing the young Italian some rest.
Roberto Gagliardini: 6/10
Marked his return from injury replacing Brozovic in the 74th minute. Showed signs of rust, but the minutes will do him good.
