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Player ratings: Inter 2 - 0 Chievo, Politano and Perišić send Inter 3rd

Player ratings: Inter 2 - 0 Chievo, Politano and Perišić send Inter 3rd

Inter beat already-relegated ChievoVerona 2 – 0 at San Siro in a must-win game if they were to put themselves back in the driving seat in the race for the Champions League.
 
The home side dominated possession and the attempts in the first half but never really created any clear-cut chances. Škriniar’s could have scored after only 15 minutes but didn’t get enough contact on his header. Perišić then forced a good save from Semper then he had a good chance to square the ball to Icardi but choose to shoot himself.
 
The breakthrough finally came when Politano opened the scoring in the 38th minute. The moved looked as though it had broken down at first when Perišić failed to dribble past his man on the edge of the area, but the ball broke to Politano who passed the ball into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.
 
It was the Croatian again who had the best opportunity at the start of the second half, Politano left-footed curler forced a fine save from Semper, who’s second save was even better, getting up to parry Perišić tame rebound around the post. Things then went from bad to worse for Chievo when Rigoni was sent off for a second yellow after a late challenge on Gagliardini.
 
Inter could finally rest easy in the 85th minute when Perišić did finally get his goal, fine footwork from Candreva set up Cédric whose attempt rattled of the post and the former Wolfsburg man took his time and slotted the ball past the ‘keeper.
 
 
Inter 4-2-3-1
 
Handanović 6 – Had very little to do this evening but was alert to come off his line and collect the ball when needed.
 
Cédric 6 – Struggled with his deliveries from wide areas today, failed to create any chances from his numerous crosses.
 
Škriniar 6.5 – Missed a good opportunity when he failed to get enough on his header.
 
Miranda 6.5 – Was in for the injured de Vrij, looked a little but grew into the game.
 
Asamoah 7 – Another solid performance, so strong on the ball and good at retaining possession when under pressure.
 
Valero 5 – Took over from Brozović at the base of the midfield. Looked a little off the pace and struggled throughout.
 
Vecino 5.5  – Wasn’t his finest game and took a knock to the head for his troubles. Was replaced by Gagliardini
 
Nainggolan 6 – Debuted his new hair but that was the only thing to shout about after his performance.
 
Politano 7.5 – Wasn’t his usual buzzing self in the first half but nevertheless he opened the scoring just before halftime that would have made Spalletti’s half time team talk much easier. Was forced off through injury.
 
Perišić 6 – Looked lively but didn’t have the quality in front of goal. Had one cleared off the line from Bani, another well saved from Samper and curled one onto the post. Finally got his goal late on.
 
Icardi 6 – Didn’t really have a sniff all night, just the one headed chance that he should have done better with.
 
SUBS:
 
Candreva (60’) 6 - Came on for the injured Politano. His set-pieces failed to bring any real chances, but some fine footwork help set up the eventual Perišić winner. Look as though Keita will leave if Spalletti stays.
 
Gagliardini – (64’) 7 - Looked bright and positive when he came on, should have started the game really. Ran from deep with the ball and drew that foul that saw Rigoni get set off.
 
Lautaro (78’) N/A-  Replaced Icardi.
 
 
 
ChievoVerona 4-3-1-2 diamond
 
Semper 7, Depaoli 6, Tomovic 6, Cesar 6, Bani 6.5, Leris 6, Rigoni 4.5, Hetemaj 6.5, Vignato 6, Meggiorini 6, Grubac 6,SUBS: Kiyine (50’) 6, Jaroszynski (77’) N/A, Pellissier (79’) N/A