Midfielder Nicolo Barella and defender Banjamin Pavard have won praise for their performances for Inter Milan against Lazio.
Today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, name the pair as the Nerazzurri’s two outstanding players in the 1-1 Serie A draw. Meanwhile, Marcus Thuram and Yann Sommer are singled out for criticism.
Inter were only able to take a 1-1 draw in their final home match of the season.
It could have been worse, as Lazio had led until the 88th minute of the match.
However, a late equalizer courtesy of wingback Denzel Dumfries did prevent Inter from falling to their third league defeat of the campaign.
It was perhaps not a performance up to the standard of Inter’s season. Nerazzurri coach Simone Inzaghi even admitted that his team had taken their foot off the gas since securing the Serie A title.
However, it was not a bad performance by any means. And there were a couple players in particular who impressed.
For the Gazzetta, the most impressive Inter performance on the evening was midfielder Barella.
The 27-year-old had a tough task in the midfield battle against a Lazio team who were highly aggressive and physical.
But, more than his midfield partners Hakan Calhanoglu and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Barella showed his quality.
The former Cagliari midfielder also demonstrated a real proactive mindset. And he was nearly rewarded for this with a goal on a couple occasions.
Meanwhile, the Gazzetta name defender Benjamin Pavard as Inter’s other main standout performer.
The Frenchman’s pace and anticipation were on full display at the back for Inter.
Striker Marcus Thuram received criticism, however, for a wasteful performance.
And the Gazzetta further question whether Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer should have allowed Lazio midfielder Daichi Kamada’s long-range effort into the net.