Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez were the stars of the show as Inter Milan came back from two goals down to defeat Torino 4-2 at San Siro on Sunday.
The game was off to a frantic start with both teams creating a number of opportunities as Inter Milan skipper Samir Handanovic was called into action a couple of times while Romelu Lukaku tested Torino custodian Salvatore Sirigu. In the end, it was the visitors who broke the deadlock, with Simone Zaza finding the back of the net on the cusp of half-time.
Torino were two goals to the good just a little after the hour mark after Ashley Young conceded a penalty which Cristian Ansaldi converted. However, Inter Milan mounted a brilliant comeback soon after as Alexis Sanchez pulled one back just two minutes later, with Lukaku getting the assist.
Sanchez turned provider to his strike-partner in the 70th minute as Inter Milan drew level with El Granata. And with six minutes left on the clock, the turnaround was complete as Lukaku made it 3-2 from the penalty spot after Achraf Hakimi was fouled inside the box. And substitute Lautaro Martinez put the game to bed in stoppage time, to seal three points for Inter.
It was a spirited comeback from Antonio Conte’s men, after what had been a rather dismal first-half display. And here’s how we rated the performances of the Inter Milan stars on the afternoon.
Samir Handanovic: 7/10
Not a lot he could have done about either of the goals he conceded on the day. But the Inter Milan skipper ensured that his team stayed in the game with two fine saves to deny Cristian Ansaldi and Simone Zaza in the first half. Made another good stop late in the stoppage time denying Simone Edera’s free-kick.
Danilo D’Ambrosio: 5.5/10
Started ahead of Milan Skriniar, but the Italian international found it hard to cope with the pace and movement of the Torino forwards. Did complete five tackles in the game, but had to walk the defensive tightrope after being booked early in the first half. Subbed off after Torino’s second.
Andrea Ranocchia: 5/10
Preferred over Stefan de Vrij, with an eye on the midweek game against Real Madrid, the defender looked like he hasn’t been playing regularly. Looked at sea each time Zaza ran at him, while one poor pass created a great opportunity for the Torino striker. Did provide a strong aerial presence, though. Made way for de Vrij in the latter stages of the game.
Alessandro Bastoni: 5/10
Completed the most number of passes on the day, although it didn’t always aid Inter in building up play from the back. He was put under a lot of pressure on his flank throughout and was culpable for the opening goal, with Zaza beating him.
Achraf Hakimi: 6/10
A rather quiet outing for the Moroccan, who did not always get forward with the same intent that one expects of him. Showed improvements in the second half, playing a teasing cross which his teammates failed to pounce on, before winning the penalty that Lukaku scored, which bumps up his rating.
Nicolo Barella: 7/10
An impressive, all-action performance from the Italian international, who pushed forward from the centre when he was on the ball, while not being shy of putting the hard yards in defensively. Completed three of his four attempted dribbles, made one key pass while also winning four tackles on the day.
Roberto Gagliardini: 4/10
Started in place of Marcelo Brozovic, who tested positive for the coronavirus, But the Italian failed to make any sort of impact while on the field, although it was not for the lack of trying. Failed to shield his backline effectively, allowing Torino to run at the defenders at will, especially in the first half. Questions will be asked whether he has the quality to be a part of this Inter Milan side.
Arturo Vidal: 6.5/10
Given the licence to push forward and support the attack, the Chilean international was a lively presence on the field for Inter, trying to make things happen. Brought a sense of bite and aggression to the midfield, and helped hold things tight after moving into a more defensive role in the second half. Instigated the move leading to Inter’s first goal.
Ashley Young: 4/10
Was given the runaround by his Torino counterpart Wilfried Stephane Singo all day, as the veteran Englishman struggled to cope with the younger man’s speed and movement. Gave away the penalty that would’ve cost Inter the game if not for the comeback. Disappointing.
Romelu Lukaku: 8/10
Romelu Lukaku was directly involved in all FOUR Inter goals vs Torino:
?️ 64'
⚽️ 67'
⚽️ 84'
?️ 90'Match-winner. ? pic.twitter.com/YRrQVAmGBO
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) November 22, 2020
A rather quiet start to the proceedings for the Belgian international, who did little of note in the first period apart from a solitary shot that tested Sirigu. However, sparked into life after Torino’s second, setting up Sanchez’s goal after his effort had struck the crossbar. Then scored two to complete the turnaround and seal the win for his team, before setting up Martinez for the fourth. A talismanic display.
Alexis Sanchez: 8/10
Much like his strike-partner, Sanchez, too, had an uneventful first period wherein he was well-marshalled by the visitors’ defence. And like Lukaku, the second goal from Torino seemed to have flicked a switch as he suddenly became unplayable. Drew first blood before going on to set Lukaku up for the equaliser and continued to pose a serious threat with his combination play.
Substitutes
Milan Skriniar: 7/10
Replaced D’Ambrosio in the 65th minute. Inter looked far more secure with his physical presence and leadership at the back. Also helped build from the back much more effectively.
Lautaro Martinez: 7/10
Came on in place of Gagliardini soon after Torino’s second. Livened things up in the final third for the hosts and got the fourth goal late in the game with a good finish.
Stefan de Vrij: 6/10
Came on for Ranocchia in the 74th minute. Ensured there were no late hiccups.
Ivan Perisic: N/A
Replaced Young for the final fifteen minutes.
Radja Nainggolan: N/A
Late substitute for Sanchez.
