Italian media praised Francesco Pio Esposito after Inter Milan’s dramatic 3-2 win over Juventus FC, describing his strike as the “first great goal” of his career.
La Gazzetta dello Sport rated Inter Milan 6.5, noting that it was not their best performance of the season.
The paper described the Nerazzurri as tense and overly elaborate early on. However, it stressed that winning such a direct clash could reshape the title race.
Coach Cristian Chivu also received a 6.5, with ratings via FCInternews.
The newspaper credited him for keeping his players calm and introducing a three-striker setup at the right moment.
In goal, Yann Sommer earned a 7.
The Swiss shot-stopper made several key saves and redeemed himself after a poor display in the reverse fixture. According to the report, he could do little about the goals conceded but handled everything else confidently.
Inter 3-2 Juventus – Zielinski MVP As Pio Esposito Scores ‘First Great Goal’
MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 31: Piotr Zielinski of FC Internazionale is challenged by Jurgen Ekkelenkamp of Udinese Calcio during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Udinese Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on August 31, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Match-winner Piotr Zieliński also earned a 7 along with the MVP award.
Esposito matched that rating after gifting himself what the paper called his first “big” goal at senior level.
Federico Dimarco received a 6.5.
Though less explosive in the first half, he still delivered his 14th assist of the season. Hakan Çalhanoğlu earned the same score after returning from injury and threatening from distance.
Among the starters, Manuel Akanji, Yann Bisseck, Petar Sučić, and Marcus Thuram secured passing marks. Substitutes Carlos Augusto, Moussa Diouf, and Ange-Yoan Bonny did the same.
Captain Lautaro Martínez disappointed and received a 5, with the paper calling him a shadow of his usual self against Juventus.
Luis Henrique also earned a 5 despite scoring the opener, which the report attributed partly to luck. Nicolò Barella managed a 5.5 on his return from injury.
The lowest rating went to Alessandro Bastoni, who received a 4.5.
The paper criticized his early booking and his role in the controversial red card shown to Pierre Kalulu, noting that he was substituted at halftime to avoid further risks.