Sassuolo 0-3 Inter: Player Ratings as Nerazzurri Impress in Emphatic Win

Inter returned to their finest form on Saturday afternoon as they overcame early season hopefuls Sassuolo 3-0 at the Mapei Stadium

The Nerazzurri proved superior from the get-go against their injury-hit hosts, with Alexis Sanchez giving Antonio Conte the perfect start after the Chilean tapped home from close range following some tremendous work from Lautaro Martinez.

A second arrived soon after as Arturo Vidal's effort was deflected into his own net by Vlad Chiriches, before Inter held off a Sassuolo resurgence to end the opening period and go into the break with a 2-0 advantage.

Sustained Neroverdi pressure ensued after the restart but Samir Handanovic was rarely troubled. The Nerazzurri were then rewarded for their impressive defensive efforts through a Roberto Gagliardini strike after some wonderful build-up play.

3-0 is how it would finish in favour of the superb visitors.

Let's get into Inter's player ratings.

1. Goalkeeper & Defenders

Samir Handanovic (GK) - 6/10 - Tested on the odd occasion but was never troubled. A comfortable afternoon on the whole.

Milan Skriniar (CB) - 8/10 - Has looked really confident since his re-introduction to the side. The Slovak is often unorthodox in his approach but it proved mightily effective in this one, with some of his defensive actions remarkable.

Stefan de Vrij (CB) - 10/10 - Just imperious. Absolutely faultless. One of the finest centre-back performances you'll see in Serie A all season.

Alessandro Bastoni (CB) - 8/10 - Another mature showing from the gifted Italian. Bastoni covered Domenico Berardi well when required while displaying impressive composure and elegance in possession - as he always does.

2. Wing-Backs & Midfielders

Matteo Darmian (RWB) - 8/10 - Had the tough assignment of one-v-one demon Jeremie Boga but coped admirably. Sure, there were occasions where he was beaten by the electric Ivorian, but the Italian's aggression and astuteness ensured Boga was kept relatively quiet. Also set up Gagliardini's effort.

Nicolo Barella (CM) - 7/10 - A more disciplined display from the typically enterprising box-to-box. Combative nature thwarted Sassuolo's crafty midfield and smartly doubled up on Boga without compromising Inter's shape. Instrumental in Inter's third.

Roberto Gagliardini (CM) - 8/10 - A frequent recipient of criticism from Interisti was superb in this one. Took his goal brilliantly.

Arturo Vidal (CM) - 8/10 - A much-needed showing after emerging as the villain in midweek. Contributed in all phases, offering positional discipline often bereft in the Inter midfield this term.

Ivan Perisic (LWB) - 7/10 - Offered little from an attacking perspective but Conte would've been thrilled to have seen distinct defensive improvements on Saturday afternoon. The Croatian covered the back post smartly.

3. Forwards

Alexis Sanchez (CF) - 7/10 - Relationship with Lautaro proved effective as he smartly looked to receive between Sassuolo's lines. Provided craftiness and endeavour throughout.

Lautaro Martinez (CF) - 8/10 - While Alexis frequently dropped in, Lautaro looked to dart in-behind - which he did relentlessly. Channel-running caused Chiriches all sorts of problems before his first-half exit and his work for the opener was sublime.

4. Substitutes

Romelu Lukaku - 6/10
Ashley Young - 6/10
Stefano Sensi - N/A
Christian Eriksen - N/A
Achraf Hakimi - N/A