My ratings:
1. Handa 6.5: Made two crucial saves in the first half. Was not very busy in the second. I liked how he dominated our box, made some very crucial runs to intercept passes. His passing, which is usually poor, was ok this game.
2. D'Ambrosio 7: Probably his best game this season. Was an absolute defensive beast in the first half, at one stage had intercepted 3 out of the 4 Lazio passes that could have easily been converted to goals. He has a physical, defensive presence that brings great solidity to the team and more than makes up for his technical shortcomings. Started going forward more in the second half, and pulled out a good cross that lead Icardi's first goal. A real team player.
3. Miranda 6.5: The heart of Inter's defence for two seasons now and his defensive intelligence and positioning is unmatched in this team. Played a high line throughout the match and made some good runs too, but looks uncomfortable in attack. A menace during set pieces though. Got injured in the second half but played through the pain barrier.
4. Murillo 6: Made some crucial interceptions and was in charge of man marking Immobile which he did pretty well. Got under the skin of quite a few Lazio players which is always a good thing.
5. Ansaldi 6: I'm starting to see what Ansaldi has to offer to this team and he looks good. He is a very intelligent player, always busy, and unlike Dambrosio, is not afraid to make forward runs, although his crossing is under par. I also like the fact that he knows when to make tactical fouls and play dirty. He got Lulic a booking, and although he earned one too, really exasperated any Lazio player playing on his side. I think right back suits him more since he prefers his right foot slightly more, but is a very good team player to have.
6. Kondogbia 6.5: One of his best games this season, made interceptions, tackles galore, also linked up really well with Brozo. He almost played like a regista this game and did it successfully, constantly winning balls and making tidy little passes. Also shrugged off opponents really well with his physique. Would have gotten a 7 or more from me, but his offensive game is lacking. It is obvious to me he his a different player when given mental reassurances, and a 2 man midfield suits his game much more with Brozo playing next to him.
7. Brozo 7.5: The engine that never stops. Does this guy never get tired? I want to see how many miles he runs on average per match. He was everywhere in the field, making tackles , winning and distributing, and a constant threat outside the opponents box as well with his shooting and through balls. I can't see this Inter midfield performing well without him, he has become an indispensable part of this team.
8. Candreva 6.5: Another player with lungs made out of this world. Can run up and down all day, deliver good crosses, shoot as well and is full of tricks. I think he tried too hard this match and was trying to make a point against Lazio. Took too much on himself, but never failed either. His link up play with Dambrosio needs a bit of work though, they need to know each other's game more.
9. Perisic 6.5: Still not the best we have seen him this season but good enough to hold down a first team place. Made a few of his trademark surges down the left and in the second half, really held on to the ball well. He has a great physical presence on the left side of this Inter team, and against Lazio linked up well with Ansaldi. I know, and he knows, he can do so much better in the opposition D-box, and as against Sassuolo, should have scored a goal against Lazio as well.
10. Banega, 6.5: Just like Joaoa Mario, Banega can play multiple positions across the field, and play them with aplomb. Pioloi seems to think his best role is an advanced one, and few would disagree after his scorcher against Lazio. In the first half, misplaced too many passes, but got his game back in the second. His intent is always there, always looking for a teamate's run, but I think he needs to work better with Icardi. This is his first season with us, and undoubtedly he will grow.
11. Icardi 8: Oh captian, my captain! It wasn't just his two goals which were wonderful. But this guy is really learning what it is to be a captain: played as a striker, midfielder, and even defender in the second half, constantly talking to his teammates and the ref and the coach, a constant reference point in this team and in yesterday's match. Should have scored a hattrick, should have gotten a penalty as well. There is no one in this team who can replace Mauro, and at 23, this is just the start for him. Folks, we have a world class player in this team.
12. Naga, 6: Decent sub who covered the left really well and constantly making runs to retreive balls and cover space left behind.
13. Gabigoal, 6: So Pioli plays him as an advanced winger, and I can see why. From the few instances I have seen of him, he loves hugging that line, constantly looking for a teammate and beat his man for pace and dribbling. Has footballing intelligence too, and can easily hold up the ball for others. He desrves more chances.
14. Palacio: Didn't have much time to do anything.
15. Pioli, 7: Got everything right in this match. I loved the fact that he is really understanding these Inter players, and was brave enough to abandon a system that was getting him results. The 4-2-3-1 is really the best position for this Inter squad, but Pioli has the footballing acumen to understand that without confidence, tactics is worth zilch. Inter has built some very good momentum, this Christmas break has come a bit too soon for us, but the key lies how we pick up.
10 years of FIF
