INTER-EMPOLI 3-1
(55′ Lautaro, 80′ Dumfries, 89′ Thuram; 84′ Esposito)
Inter’s report cards – Edited by Ivan Cardia
Summer 6 – What a thrill that ball was given to Maleh: in the absence of danger from his opponents, he got into trouble on his own. He can’t do much about Esposito.
Pavard 6 – He’s back in the league after almost two months: it’s understandable not to overdo it. (From 86′ Darmian sv).
De Vrij 5.5 – An uncertainty and a goal from Empoli: everything went smoothly until Esposito had two meters to control and shoot. We don’t expect it.
Carlos Augusto 6 – More or less as above, with less responsibilities: good for almost the entire match, in both roles, but he too was in a blackout on the 2-1 action. Henderson has too much space to cross.
Dumfries 7 – A moving train that derails Empoli’s defense: he confirms himself as an added striker for the Nerazzurri team.
Stretcher 7 – He carries the very uninspired Nerazzurri midfielder on his shoulders: two out of three goals pass through his feet and it’s no coincidence. Indispensable.
Asllani 6.5 – The “correzation” process has begun for a while now and against his past he is called upon to hold on to the Nerazzurri. He brings home the loaf and confirms his danger from a corner: it’s still a step forward.
Zielinski 5 – Alternating current, more often disconnected: it doesn’t help Inter manage the ball more fluidly. From Who saw it? (From 69′ Mkhitaryan 6 – Another step, other ideas).
Dimarco 5.5 – He creates dangers when the ball is active, otherwise he slips often and is less sharp than usual. (From 77′ Bastoni 6 – He too could be perfected on the occasion of the temporary 2-1).
Taremi 5 – Chasing the first goal in Serie A, the tires slick they don’t help: too often on the ground. He doesn’t have any opportunities and doesn’t create any, in his latest outings he’s less convincing even at work for his teammates: it’s a theme. (From 69′ Thuram 7 – Speaking of another step: he enters and the music changes, even drastically. There ThuLa scored again in the same match, although not yet on the pitch at the same time).
Lautaro 7 – In the week of the launch of the Panini sticker album, immediately look for the bicycle kick feat: Vasquez cancels. The Empoli goalkeeper can do nothing when he shows off another piece of his repertoire: a shot from outside and a second consecutive goal at San Siro. It’s official: he’s back and the applause from the Meazza certifies it. (From 77′ Arnautovic 6.5 – Altruism: he could shoot, he chooses the assist).
Simone Inzaghi (disqualified, deputy Farris on the bench) 6.5 – More tiring than expected, the first home victory of 2025 arrived. Only one thing was needed: to respond to Conte’s Napoli’s escape attempt, result served. There’s still something to sort out, but the mood of the second half is a good thing. The plug pulled at 2-0 a little less.
Empoli report cards – Edited by Paolo Lora Lamia
Vasquez 6.5 – Among the most highlighted in the Tuscan eleven, especially for the excellent responses to Lautaro in the first half and to Dumfries in the second. He can do little about the two goals conceded.
De Sciglio 5.5 – Deployed as a right-winger, he contributes to creating density in the area, suffering more as the match progresses. From 66′ Goglichidze 5.5 – His entry onto the pitch does not give the Italian defense the solidity hoped for in view of the final part of the match.
Ismajli 6.5 – D’Aversa’s rearguard totem is unbeatable in practically every circumstance in the first part of the match, except when Lautaro is lost and then chips the post. He maintains an excellent level even after the break.
Screws 5.5 – Good first half for one of the talents who grew up in the Empoli academy, who however fades away like many teammates.
Gyasi 5 – He has a lot to do against Dimarco and, when Empoli win the ball back, he is rarely called upon to reverse the action. They also clearly lost the duel with Dumfries at 2-0.
Fats 6 – A hound of the midfield, who alternates moments of high pressing with others in which he acts as an added defender in order to help contain Inter. He leaves exhausted, with just over a quarter of an hour to go. From 73′ Henderson 6 – Of particular note is his suggestion to Esposito for the network of Tuscan hope.
Maleh 6 – With Grassi he forms an extremely tough midfield tandem, which slows down the opponents’ maneuvers on several occasions. Better in the first 45 minutes, when he has more energy to expend.
Pezzella 5.5 – He pushes a little more than Gyasi, having difficulty countering an inspired Dumfries. From 82′ Zurkowski sv.
Fazzini 5.5 – The match requires him to do a job even when not in possession, which he doesn’t shy away from but his talent doesn’t emerge like other times. From 66′ Esposito 7 – Excellent impact on the match, with a goal that gives his team hope at the end even if for a short time.
Cacace 5 – Like everyone else, he participates in Empoli’s team defense during the 90 minutes, but in general he is among the most in the shadows. From 82′ Sambia sv.
Colombo 5 – Poorly served by his teammates, he had a tough time against De Vrij in the middle of the Nerazzurri area. An evening to forget for the former AC Milan striker.
Roberto D’Aversa 5.5 – Set up a defensive game, hoping for some counterattacks. The wall erected by his followers, however, lasts for a while. Esposito’s entrance was spot on (could he have played from the start?).