A very convincing performance overall.
After the first 10 minutes we took control of the game and started putting Sampdoria on the back foot. The two goals were the natural (albeit slightly fortuitous with regards to the way they came) consequence of our superiority. The only flaw to our first half was that we wasted too many chances, which could have cost us dearly in hindsight. The second half was bound to be the natural continuation of the first, with us cruising safely to the end of the game. Unfortunately, Alexis had other plans and decided to ruin an otherwise good performance by getting himself sent off in the silliest possible way. That episode marked a turn point in the game, giving Sampdoria a shred of hope to cling to. It took us a while to adapt to the new circumstances (and we conceded a goal in the process), but then Conte operated two substitutions that restored the balance of the team. From then on, we regained control of the game, eventually getting the job done without risking too much.
Today I was very pleased with the performances of our midfielders. On top of adding a goal and an assist to his seasonal tally, Sensi played another good game, lively and inspired as usual. He still loses a couple of balls too many during every game, but all in all his pros largely outweight the cons. Brozovic was very good today, especially during the second half when his playmaking skills helped us retain possession and slow down the tempo of the game. Very mature performance. Gagliardini looked somehow passive during the first half. He didn't do anything wrong, mind you, but neither did he do anything praise-worthy. He stepped up big time when we were down to ten men, and the goal was a deserved reward for his efforts. Barella did his bit to help the team preserve the lead.
The defenders had it easy for 45 minutes, only to find themselves suddenly called into action at the beginning of the second half. As I wrote above, it took us a while to reorganise ourselves, and Sampdoria exploited the opportunity to put one past Handanovic, who had an relatively tranquil evening. Probably Skriniar should have done something better on the goal, closing down a little earlier on Jankto (who, with today's goal, gets officially admitted to the "I suck 37 games a season, but then I score to Inter" club). De Vrij had another solid performance, while Bastoni made a very promising debut for Inter. Early booking aside, he looked solid and showed excellent personality. He also set Lautaro up against the keeper with a brilliant through ball.
Both our starting wingbacks had a good first half. Then Candreva was forced to leave his place to the more defensive-minded D'Ambrosio, whereas Asamoah contributed to the defensive effort until the end.
As for the attack, Alexis had a good game. He was lively, involved, and managed to play a part in both of the goals. Too bad he had to ruin everything with that silly (= unnecessary) dive. I hope he apologised with his teammates after the game. Lautaro did everything well with regards to build-up play, off-the-ball movements, etc... but his decision making inside the box was awful. He's clearly too anxious when he finds himself in front of the goal, and that makes him lose his cool. I hope he scores a couple as soon as possible, because I'm starting to get worried. Lukaku was subbed on with the task of battling over every ball and holding up play. He did it as best he could. He also created a nice chance for himself, but couldn't convert it.
Anyway, 6 out of 6. We had to grit our teeth, but at the end I'd say that the determination/commitment showed by the players is probably the best news of the day, even better than the good first half display.
10 years of FIF
