Fiorentina 1-2 Inter: Player ratings as Lukaku sends Nerazzurri into Coppa Italia quarters

Inter progressed to the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia on Wednesday afternoon, beating Fiorentina 2-1 in extra-time, thanks to a late Romelu Lukaku header.

I Nerazzurri took the lead on 40 minutes, when Alexis Sanchez was adjudged to have been fouled by the Fiorentina goalkeeper, and Arturo Vidal drilled home the resulting spot-kick.

The hosts were then awarded a penalty of their own for a Milan Skriniar tackle in the box, but referee Davide Massa overturned the decision after consulting with the VAR. La Viola did get their equaliser in the second half however, after a scramble in the six-yard box saw the ball fall to Christian Kouame 18 yards from goal, and he rifled an unstoppable strike into the top corner.

Inter worked to regain their lead, with substitute Achraf Hakimi shaving the post with a lovely toe poke and Alexis Sanchez inexplicably missing the target from inside the six-yard box. The two sides couldn't be separated after 90 minutes, and the game went to extra-time.

The match seemed destined for a penalty shootout until the 119th minute, when substitute Lukaku powered a super header into the roof of the net from an inch-perfect Nicolo Barella cross, sending Inter into the next round, and breaking Fiorentina hearts.

Let's check out the player ratings from Wednesday's big clash.

INTER

1. Goalkeeper & Defenders

Samir Handanovic (GK) - 7/10 - Not tested at all in the first half. Absolutely no chance in stopping Kouame's thunderbolt. Pulled off some good saves to deny Jack Bonaventura and Lorenzo Venuti.

Milan Skriniar (CB) - 5/10 - Ballooned a free header over the crossbar when he really should have hit the target. Picked up a booking and was subbed on the hour mark.

Andrea Ranocchia (CB) - 7/10 - Used his physical strength well to dominate Kouame. Lost the ball playing out from the back and almost allowed Fiorentina to equalise. It's those mistakes which keep him out of the team.

Aleksandar Kolarov (CB) - 6/10 - Timidly poked the ball away from danger, only to push it into further danger. His mistake allowed Fiorentina back into the game.

2. Wing-Backs & Midfielders

Ashley Young (RWB) - 8/10 - Whipped in some dangerous low crosses from that right wing on his stronger foot. Always offered his services on the touchline, and was resolute when tracking back. A strong performance.

Arturo Vidal (CM) - 7/10 - Put in some great sliding tackles to break up Fiorentina's attacks and set Inter in motion. Smashed a penalty down the middle to open his Nerazzurri account.

Christian Eriksen (CM) - 6/10 - Placed in a holding role for Inter, acting as a deep-lying playmaker and shielding the backline. Misplaced a couple of passes horribly, probably due to his adaptation to a new role.

Roberto Gagliardini (CM) - 6/10 - Charged up and down the pitch, operating in a slightly more advanced role to his fellow central midfielders. Faded from the game as the minutes ticked by.

Ivan Perisic (LWB) - 7/10 - Never at his best when forced into a left-wing-back role. Always more impressive going forward than covering back. Delivered some decent crosses which went unpunished. Improved as the game went on.

3. Forwards

Alexis Sanchez (ST) - 7/10 - Busy. Buzzed around the final third, looking sharp and nippy, pinching the ball and releasing it wide for the wing-backs. Hit the post from close range, and won a penalty in the same action to open the scoring. Somehow failed to tap home from two yards out with the whole goal to aim at.

Lautaro Martinez (ST) - 6/10 - Fluffed an ambitious volley, producing a vintage air-kick. The ball never quite dropped for him in the penalty area. Smashed wide a glorious chance to kill the game early in the second half.

4. Substitutes

Stefan de Vrij (CB) - 7/10

Romelu Lukaku (ST) - 8/10

Achraf Hakimi (RWB) - 8/10

Nicolo Barella (CM) - 8/10

Marcelo Brozovic (CM) - 6/10