Inter Milan Extends Lead at the Top of Serie A

Inter Milan cemented their position at the summit of the Serie A standings with a commanding 3-1 victory over Cagliari at the iconic San Siro on Saturday evening. Under the guidance of manager Simone Inzaghi, the team displayed a formidable performance, particularly from their forwards.

Star Player: Marko Arnautovic

In a match that showcased Inter’s strength, 35-year-old Marko Arnautovic emerged as the standout player, earning a solid rating of 8. Initially an understudy in the squad, Arnautovic proved his worth by netting the opening goal with a stunning strike and providing a brilliant assist for the second. His ability to control the ball with finesse set the tone for an impressive first half, and he left the pitch to a well-deserved standing ovation after an hour of play.

Inzaghi's Tactical Mastery

Coach Simone Inzaghi, rated at 7 for his efforts, faced a moment of uncertainty when Inter conceded shortly into the second half. Fans feared a repeat of past struggles seen in their recent matches against Udinese and Parma. However, the tide turned when Bisseck restored Inter’s two-goal advantage just ten minutes later.

First Half Dominance and Strategic Substitutions

Although they encountered increased pressure in the second half, Inter maintained control throughout the matchup, effectively managing player minutes in anticipation of their upcoming Champions League clash against Bayern Munich. Inzaghi made strategic substitutions, resting key players like Thuram and Bastoni, and pulling Dimarco after an hour to ensure fresh legs for the critical week ahead.

Player Ratings: Who Shined for Inter?

Here’s a snapshot of how the players fared: - Sommer 6 - Bisseck 7.5 - De Vrij 6 - C. Augusto 7 - Zalewski 6 (Bastoni 6) - Frattesi 6 - Calhanoglu 6 (Asllani n/a) - Barella 6.5 - Dimarco 7 (Darmian 6) - L. Martinez 7 (Thuram 6) - Arnautovic 8 (Correa)