Zemanlandia finally got going at the Stadio Meazza this afternoon as Cagliari recorded their first win of the season in an emphatic manner with a stylish 4-1 victory of Inter.
All the games goals arrived during the first half. Marco Sau opened the scoring for the Sardinians before Dani Osvaldo drew Inter level.
The home side then saw captain Yuto Nagatomo dismissed for a second yellow and the game really turned. Some calamitous Inter defending saw Albin Ekdil hit a hat trick to all but end the tie before the half time interval.
Did we get our ratings right? Give your say in the comments below.
Inter
Samir Handanovic – 5 – Poor
Had no chance with Sau’s opener, but should have done better with Ekdal’s first two. Redeemed himself somewhat with a save from Cossu’s penalty but was again no where to been found for Cagliari’s fourth.
Marco Andreolli – 5 – Sloppy
Inter’s defense had an awful afternoon and Andreolli was no different. Looked flat footed all game and should have been tighter to Sau for Cagliari’s first goal.
Nemanja Vidic – 4.5 – Clumsy
The Serb was clumsy throughout the match which cumulated in him bringing down Cossu in the box for the penalty. Won a few headers in the opposition area was was continually shown up in his own.
Juan Jesus – 5 – Clueless
Took the captaincy after Nagatomo’s dismissal but failed to provide any kind of leadership or organisation to the Inter back line.
Yuto Nagatomo – 5 – Reckless
Got forward well but should have won a header to prevent Cagliari’s first goal. Booked half way through first half. Unfortunate to get a second yellow for a clumsy challenge shortly afterwards to see red.
Hernanes – 4 – Missing
You would be forgiven for thinking the Brazilian wasn’t even on the pitch during the first half. This continued in the second as he failed to supply his forwards with any meaningful opportunities.
Gary Medel – 5 – Replaced
Did little in the first half and was replaced by Freddy Guarín at half time as Mazzarri looked to chase the game.
Mateo Kovacic – 6 – Tried
Won a few tackles and tried to drive his team forward but was unable to make much of an impact upon the match.
Dodo – 6 – Injured
Got forward well his but his crossing lacked any accuracy. Replaced by D’Ambrosio on 43 min after picking up a knock.
Rodrigo Palacio – 6.5 – Tireless
Worked tirelessly for his team and continually harried the Cagliari back line. Set up Osvaldo’s goal with a quickly taken free kick.
Daniel Osvaldo – 6 – Isolated
Scored with a tap in from Palacio’s quick free kick on 17 min. Almost had another at the start of the second half but it was ruled offside.
Substitutes
Fredy Guarín – 4 – Scrappy
Replaced Medel at the break as Mazzarri tried to introduce a more offensive threat in the centre of the park. Was booked for a scrap with Avelar which was his only real contribution to the contest.
Danilo D’Ambrosio – 5 – Flat
Got forward but was missing the final product.
Mauro Icardi – 5 – Unfit
Came on half way through the second half and looked unfit.
Cagliari
Alessio Cragno – 6.5 – Solid
Like the rest of his defense he was caught out for Inter’s goal but otherwise had a solid afternoon.
Anotnio Balzano – 7 – Steady
Supported Ibarbo well as Cagliari’s main threat came down their right hand side.
Luca Ceppitelli – 6.5 – Reliable
Never had much to do but was solid when called upon.
Luca Rossettini – 6 – Competent
Caught sleeping for Osvaldo’s goal. Booked in the first half.
Danilo Avelar – 7.5 – Buccaneering
Linked very well with Cossu down the left flack and continually overlapped to support the attack.
Daniele Dessena – 7.5 – Energetic
Put in a shift for his side, both getting forward to support his strikers while also dropping back to help out.
Lorenzo Crisetig – 7 – Creative
Played well against his parent club as he undertook play making duties in the middle of the park.
Albin Ekdal – 9 – Hat Trick
The Swedes passing looked sloppy early on but he settled down to have a fine game. Great positioning in Inter’s box saw him grab a hat trick of easy tap ins.
Victor Ibarbo – 8.5 – Menacing
Caused the Inter back line all sorts of problems with his pace and direct running. Created Cagliari’s third with a surging run into the box before cutting back for Ekdal to finish. He also helped out defensively when required.
Marco Sau – 8 – Tricky
Scored with a cool finish for the Rossoblu’s opener he was a constant menace to the Inter defense with his tricky movement. Won his side a penalty.
Andrea Cossu – 7 – Dangerous
Missed a penatly for his side but otherwise put in a good performance.
Substitutes
Diego Farias – 6 – Unlucky
Came on for Ibarbo and almost scored with his first touch.
Samuele Longo – 6 – Anonymous
Didn’t have much impact on the game.
João Pedro – N/A