MILAN – We wrote in our Matchday Programme that the game against Rapid would be a test of our maturity and hoped that high concentration levels and the team’s hunger would shine through. We passed this test with flying colours, and now we’re eagerly waiting to find out who our next opponent will be in the Europa League. This was a match that was never in doubt: the lads showed great character out on the pitch as they comfortably dispatched the Austrian side.
The team’s numbers were impressive: Inter had 62.6% of the ball, won 55.2% of the duels between the players, completed 680 passes (88.1% of which found their target) and crossed it in 19 times. Nevertheless, it was the individual performances that contributed to such a great collective effort and allowed us to put in such a strong display.
To name one example: Ranocchia. He not only scored a spectacular goal, but also did his job in defence, winning seven out of nine duels alongside the excellent Cedric and the immense Milan Skriniar. The Slovakian defender was once again in top form, finding his man 92.8% of the time when he passed the ball out. Such precision. Furthermore, he won 100% of the challenges he made and made five decisive blocks. But he wasn’t the only one that was on fire.
Ivan Perisic was undoubtedly the best man on the pitch. His goal was a gem, as was his assist for Politano. The Croatian was a key figure in multiple attacks with 89 touches in 90 minutes, four shots on goal, and he played almost 7 in 10 of his passes forward. Furthermore, he managed to create two further chances for the team. Politano also put in a great 30 minutes when he came on for Lautaro: his goal was important for him personally and capped off a great night for the lads.
In short, this test of maturity was passed with flying colours. But there’s no time for distractions: we’ve got a difficult game to play in Florence on Sunday. We’re doing well and want to carry on in a similar vein, both in Europe and in Italy of course. Forza Inter!
