Fiorentina 0-2 Inter: Player ratings as Nerazzurri return to top of Serie A

Inter showed their quality in a comprehensive 2-0 victory away to Fiorentina on Friday evening, returning to the top of Serie A in the process.

The Nerazzurri started on the front foot and forced a fine save out of Bartlomiej Dragowski after just six minutes. Fiorentina were prepared to give it back on the counter, however, and came close from wide areas.

Nicolo Barella gave the visitors the lead with a fine strike after 31 minutes, and that goal prompted the hosts to come out of their shell somewhat. Inter could've had a second on the stroke of half time, though, but Romelu Lukaku headed over.

Antonio Conte's side were slow out of the blocks after the break and had to soak up an early flourish from the hosts, but doubled their lead through Ivan Perisic after 52 minutes. Inter remained in control having extended the lead and marshalled the game expertly from the back, better retaining possession and stifling their opponents.

Fiorentina's desire to attack and cause problems slowly curtailed as the game drew on. Inter were comfortable in possession and forced a number of saves out of Dragowski with Achraf Hakimi, Perisic and Lukaku all coming close.

Enough chat, here are your player ratings for the league leaders.

1. Goalkeeper & Defenders

Samir Handanovic (GK) - 7/10 - Kept Inter ahead in the first half with an incredibly athletic double save. Rewarded for his heroics with a much more straightforward second half.

Milan Skriniar (CB) - 7/10 - Impressive and authoritative performance from Skriniar in a positive evening all round for all three centre backs.

Stefan de Vrij (CB) - 7/10 - De Vrij set the tone as the central defender of the three and organised his colleagues well to defend a number of accurate crosses and corners. Also racked up an impressive 94% pass accuracy.

Alessandro Bastoni (CB) - 6/10 - Bastoni was equally as concentrated defensively, but didn't take enough risks to join the attack and help break down a side that defended deep.

2. Wing Backs & Midfielders

Achraf Hakimi (RWB) - 8/10 - The Moroccan showed exactly what he was capable of when at his best to create his side's second goal. As soon as Hakimi broke away on the overlap, there was never any doubt about him providing an assist. Clinical.

Nicolo Barella (CM) - 8/10 - Inter's best player on the ball throughout the first half. Picked up possession from a short corner and curled the ball beautifully into the far corner from distance to score the opener.

Marcelo Brozovic (CM) - 6/10 - Quiet first half for Brozovic but brushed himself off well and was more influential after the break as Inter's ball retention improved.

Arturo Vidal (CM) - 4/10 - Halted opposition advances at times, but offered his side next to nothing on the ball. Poor first half from Vidal who was hooked at half time.

Ivan Perisic (LWB) - 7/10 - Perisic was quiet in the first half, but was in the box to finish off play and make it 2-0 with virtually his first involvement after the break. Caused problems with a number of direct, darting runs at Fiorentina's defence.

3. Forwards

Romelu Lukaku (ST) - 5/10 - The Belgian barely saw the ball in the first half and actually did more defensive work from corners, rather than work in the opposition box. Wasn't at full stride in front of goal.

Alexis Sanchez (ST) - 8/10 - Sanchez moved well between the lines and showcased some impressive dribbling in tight areas. Dropped off the back line well to link up with the wing backs and fed Hakimi a fine pass in the build up to Inter's second goal.

4. Substitutes

Roberto Gagliardini - 6/10 - Positive impact from the half time substitute. Gagliardini provided bite with late runs into the box and linked up play well in good areas. Forced a good save out of Dragowski in goal with a headed effort.

Lautaro Martinez - 5/10

Matteo Darmian - N/A

Andrea Pinnamonti - N/A