Player ratings as Lukaku sends Nerazzurri into Coppa Italia quarters

Inter progressed to the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia on Wednesday afternoon, beating Fiorentina 2-1 in extra-time, due to a late Romelu Lukaku header.

I Nerazzurri took the lead on 40 minutes, when Alexis Sanchez was adjudged to have been fouled by the Fiorentina goalkeeper, and Arturo Vidal drilled dwelling the ensuing spot-kick.

The hosts have been then awarded a penalty of their very own for a Milan Skriniar deal with within the field, however referee Davide Massa overturned the choice after consulting with the VAR. La Viola did get their equaliser within the second half nevertheless, after a scramble within the six-yard field noticed the ball fall to Christian Kouame 18 yards from aim, and he rifled an unstoppable strike into the highest nook.

Inter labored to regain their lead, with substitute Achraf Hakimi shaving the publish with a stunning toe poke and Alexis Sanchez inexplicably lacking the goal from contained in the six-yard field. The 2 sides could not be separated after 90 minutes, and the sport went to extra-time.

The match appeared destined for a penalty shootout till the 119th minute, when substitute Lukaku powered an excellent header into the roof of the web from an inch-perfect Nicolo Barella cross, sending Inter into the following spherical, and breaking Fiorentina hearts.

Let’s try the participant scores from Wednesday’s massive conflict.

Samir Handanovic (GK) – 7/10 – Not examined in any respect within the first half. Completely no probability in stopping Kouame’s thunderbolt. Pulled off some good saves to disclaim Jack Bonaventura and Lorenzo Venuti.

Milan Skriniar (CB) – 5/10 – Ballooned a free header over the crossbar when he actually ought to have hit the goal. Picked up a reserving and was subbed on the hour mark.

Andrea Ranocchia (CB) – 7/10 – Used his bodily energy effectively to dominate Kouame. Misplaced the ball taking part in out from the again and virtually allowed Fiorentina to equalise. It is these errors which hold him out of the workforce.

Aleksandar Kolarov (CB) – 6/10 – Timidly poked the ball away from hazard, solely to push it into additional hazard. His mistake allowed Fiorentina again into the sport.

Ashley Younger (RWB) – 8/10 – Whipped in some harmful low crosses from that proper wing on his stronger foot. All the time provided his providers on the touchline, and was firm when monitoring again. A powerful efficiency.

Arturo Vidal (CM) – 7/10 – Put in some nice sliding tackles to interrupt up Fiorentina’s assaults and set Inter in movement. Smashed a penalty down the center to open his Nerazzurri account.

Christian Eriksen (CM) – 6/10 – Positioned in a holding function for Inter, appearing as a deep-lying playmaker and shielding the backline. Misplaced a few passes horribly, in all probability as a consequence of his adaptation to a brand new function.

Roberto Gagliardini (CM) – 6/10 – Charged up and down the pitch, working in a barely extra superior function to his fellow central midfielders. Pale from the sport because the minutes ticked by.

Ivan Perisic (LWB) – 7/10 – By no means at his finest when compelled right into a left-wing-back function. All the time extra spectacular going ahead than overlaying again. Delivered some first rate crosses which went unpunished. Improved as the sport went on.

Alexis Sanchez (ST) – 7/10 – Busy. Buzzed across the remaining third, trying sharp and nippy, pinching the ball and releasing it extensive for the wing-backs. Hit the publish from shut vary, and gained a penalty in the identical motion to open the scoring. In some way didn’t faucet dwelling from two yards out with the entire aim to purpose at.

Lautaro Martinez (ST) – 6/10 – Fluffed an bold volley, producing a classic air-kick. The ball by no means fairly dropped for him within the penalty space. Smashed extensive an excellent probability to kill the sport early within the second half.

Stefan de Vrij (CB) – 7/10

Romelu Lukaku (ST) – 8/10

Achraf Hakimi (RWB) – 8/10

Nicolo Barella (CM) – 8/10

Marcelo Brozovic (CM) – 6/10