It was another late show for Inter Milan as they claimed a second consecutive victory at the death, this time at the expense of Serie A newcomers Carpi.
Once again it was new signing Stevan Jovetic who came to the Nerazzurri’s rescue in a gripping affair at the Stadio Alberto Braglia, scoring twice to ensure Inter retained their 100% start with a 2-1 win against the minnows.
The Montenegrin got his team off to a good start with a finish from close-range in the 31st minute following an early cross into the box from Colombian midfielder Fredy Guarín.
Carpi, however, kept piling on the pressure late in the second half and were eventually rewarded as substitute Antonio Di Gaudio swept a low shot into the corner past Samir Handanovic in goal for Inter with just 10 minutes of the game left.
Only seconds prior to the end of the 90, however, acting captain Guarín was taken down in the box. Jovetic calmly dispatched the penalty to make it six points from a possible six and stand Inter in good stead leading into the Milan derby in a couple of weeks.
Carpi
Zeljko Brkic – 5.5: The Udinese loanee made another costly error for the newly promoted side following last week’s blunder against Sampdoria. Hesitation in coming off his line resulted in Jovetic’s opener.
Gaetano Letizia – 6: Was tasked with keeping Jovetic quiet for the game. Did reasonably well to limit his chances but did not stand out defensively.
Igor Bubnjic – 6.5: Did not put a foot wrong all day, making some important defensive contributions.
Riccardo Gagliolo – 7: Blocked Rodrigo Palacio’s route to goal on several occasion. Made some vital interceptions.
Wallace – 6: The man on loan from Chelsea put in a good shift defensively, though failed to trouble Juan with his runs forward on the right-flank.
Lorenzo Lollo – 5.5: Created very little spark going forward for his side, and did little to dispel the threat provided from Inter’s midfield.
Luca Marrone – 6.5: A very capable shield for Carpi’s back three, the Juventus loanee did well in limiting the space in which Marcelo Brozovic could operate.
Matteo Fedele – 6: A tireless worker the whole time he was on the pitch. The 23-year-old helped out in Carpi’s engine room, though offered little going forward.
Gabriel Silva – 6: Did reasonably well in making life slightly uncomfortable for Davide Santon. Hindered his team in defence, however, bringing down Guarín late on in the box which resulted in Inter’s late winner.
Ryder Matos – 6: The 22-year-old was a major threat in the first half for the hosts but faded in the second.
Kamil Wilczek – 6: Starved of service for the majority of the match, the Pole nearly struck an equaliser prior to the end of the first half.
Substitutes
Kevin Lasagna – 6.5: One of last season’s heroes for the promoted side, the young striker was threatening up front, setting up his side’s equaliser.
Antonio Di Gaudio – 6.5: Made an instant impact, scuffling a finish into the bottom corner past Handanovic.
Andrea Lazzari – N/A: Too little time to make an impact.
Inter Milan
Samir Handanovic – 7: The Slovenian goalkeeper did not have an awful lot to do, but as usual, when the 31-year-old was called upon, he made no mistake and showed a reliable pair of hands.
Davide Santon – 6.5: Another fairly impressive performance from the former Newcastle United man. Was constantly working hard up and down the right-flank and assisting in both attack and defence.
João Miranda – 7: Looks to be gelling well with his South American counterpart, Jeison Murillo, in the middle of defence. A composed presence, Miranda put in an efficient showing, displaying great leadership.
Jeison Murillo – 6.5: Following on from last week’s solid showing, the Colombian produced another, showing great aggression and timing in the tackle.
Juan Jesus – 6.5: Juan at left-back capped off a competent defensive performance from Roberto Mancini’s back four. Showing signs of improvement at full-back, the Brazilian was always up to the task in both phases of play.
Geoffrey Kondogbia – 6: Was not as influential as last time out. The former Monaco man had little impact on the game.
Gary Medel – 6.5: A typical whole-hearted performance from the Chilean, displaying a bulldog-like approach in winning the ball and always playing short, simple passes to teammates.
Fredy Guarín – 6.5: The architect behind both of Inter’s goals, the 29-year-old provided the cross that led to Jovetic’s opener and was brought down in the box late on to award his team a late penalty.
Marcelo Brozovic – 6: Displayed a terrific work ethic and received a lot of the ball, though failed to create much.
Stevan Jovetic – 8: Quickly becoming a fan favourite at the San Siro, the 25-year-old bagged a brace in a man-of-the-match performance. A constant danger to Carpi’s back three, the former Fiorentina attacker was Inter’s main attacking outlet once again.
Rodrigo Palacio – 5.5: Had little impact up front. Age may just be catching up to the Argentine.
Substitutes
Yuto Nagatomo – N/A: Did not influence proceedings.
Hernanes – N/A: Introduced with five minutes left.
Andrea Ranocchia – N/A: Brought on late to chew up the clock.
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