A fantastic brace from Lautaro, and a magnificent solo goal from Lukaku has secured all three points for Inter. What a way to end the weekend!
Inter have now kept a clean sheet in the past 5 of 6 matches. A remarkable effort considering Inter had conceded 8 goals in the first 4 matches to start the campaign.
The three goals may not have been enough if it wasn’t for a superhuman effort from Handanovic. Our Capitano made countless saves, and that is now Inter’s eight clean sheet of the season.
Let’s move onto some key takeaways from the match.
Man of the match –
Mentioned earlier, but Handanovic was the best on field against Milan.
Those reaction saves on the Ibrahimovic shots were spectacular. On another night, we could’ve had a 3-3 score-line but Samir was on fire. The Tonali save was another which will be added to Handanovic’s career highlight reel.
In the past month we have seen a rejuvenated goalkeeper, so this may not be the last season for him. Personally, I think if Inter win the league then our Numero Uno should retire.
It’s always best go out when you still look good, instead of being forced out because you are over the hill. Just my thoughts though.
Midfield formula now perfect –
Conte has created a masterpiece in the center of the pitch for Inter. The harmony of Brozovic, Eriksen and Barella is just singing a beautiful football.
Finally, Eriksen has found his position and we can all thank Conte. It took time, patience and a whole lot of belief but Inter is reaping the benefits of providing commitment to a player.
It would’ve been easy to sell Eriksen in the Winter window, but his integration into this team is now solidifying the midfield completely. We are seeing some fluent attacking football and that second goal to Lautaro was footballing perfection.
LuLa keep banging them in –
Romelu Lukaku – 17 goals, 5 assists.
Lautaro Martinez – 13 goals, 4 assists.
This will be a season to remember for these two.
Not to compare, but it’s great to look back on one of Inter’s most successful striking duo in recent times. We go back to 2009/10 – The Treble season for Inter.
In that season, these were the statistics of Eto’o and Milito in Serie A.
Diego Milito – 22 goals, 5 assists.
Samuel Eto’o – 12 goals, 7 assists.
Obviously, we cannot compare players or teams, as it’s a different competition overall. However, this just shows you how lethal our striking combination is at the moment.
Both Milito and Eto’o were in their prime, where as I think the same could be said for Lukaku but not Lautaro. The best is still yet to come for Inter so watch this space.
Special mention –
There hasn’t been too many times to praise this player, but Ivan Perisic take a bow!
Your professionalism as a footballer is astounding, as many players would’ve moaned about being constantly benched after winning a Champions League title.
Today was Ivan’s best match in an Inter jersey since joining all those years ago. It was a complete performance in every aspect, and we should take a moment to appreciate the match played from Ivan.
With the security of Ivan on one side and Hakimi on the other, it really brings a fantastic attacking element to Inter’s style which makes us very dangerous.
Where to next?
Inter are back for a home fixture after the “away” derby to Milan. This red-hot Inter side will face Genoa, where we will look to better our current gap on the table.
Prediction – Inter 2-0.
As always, Forza Inter!
Written by Matthew Pickham
