Napoli 1-1 Inter: Player ratings as Christian Eriksen rescues point for Nerazzurri

Inter remain on course for their first Scudetto in 11 years, despite being held to a 1-1 draw by Napoli at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium on Sunday night.

The hosts started on the front foot and were rewarded on 36 minutes when the ever-reliable Samir Handanovic spilled a Lorenzo Insigne cross against centre-back Stefan de Vrij, with the ball bouncing agonisingly over the line.

The own goal was sandwiched by Romelu Lukaku striking the woodwork twice, but Inter couldn't find an equaliser before half-time.

For once the Nerazzurri seemed bereft of ideas going forward, but Christian Eriksen hauled them back into the game when he crashed a loose ball across the goalkeeper and into the bottom corner from the edge of the box ten minutes after the break.

It seemed Antonio Conte's men were contented with a hard-fought draw on the road thereafter, with a few tactical tweaks suggesting a more defensive approach.

The visitors survived a needless late VAR review after De Vrij made a perfect sliding challenge to deny Piotr Zielinski, just as the Pole was about to pull the trigger in the area. Matteo Politano cannoned a shot off the bar before Achraf Hakimi spurned a one-on-one in the very last action of the game as it ended all square.

The result leaves Inter comfortably nine points clear at the top of Serie A, while Gli Azzurri are fifth, two points off the Champions League places after Juventus lost to Atalanta earlier on Sunday.

Here are you Inter player ratings from Naples...

INTER PLAYER RATINGS

1. Goalkeeper & defenders

Samir Handanovic (GK) - 5/10 - Made a very uncharacteristic error as he spilled a cross against his centre-back, sending it rebounding into the net for 1-0 to Napoli. Not much to do otherwise.

Milan Skriniar (CB) - 6/10 - Calm under pressure as Napoli dominated the ball in the first half. Insigne exposed his lack of pace in the lead-up to the opener.

Stefan de Vrij (CB) - 6/10 - Headed a half-chance over in the first half from a Christian Eriksen free kick. Unfortunate that the ball bounced off him and into the net after his goalkeeper's error. Made an absolutely incredible tackle on Zielinski as he took aim.

Alessandro Bastoni (CB) - 6/10 - Another mature display. Dealt well with a few awkward situations. Didn't have much to do, but didn't put a foot wrong either.

2. Wing-backs & midfielders

Achraf Hakimi (RWB) - 6/10 - Got forward well as usual. Missed a half-decent headed chance early in the second half. Excellent running in the build-up to Eriksen's strike. Missed a gilt-edged chance with the last attack of the game.

Nicolo Barella (CM) - 6/10 - One of those rare occasions where the game passed him by somewhat in the first period. Influence grew in the second half as Inter burst into life.

Marcelo Brozovic (DM) - 7/10 - Made two excellent blocks in quick succession in the first half. Anchored the midfield expertly and kept his side ticking over nicely.

Christian Eriksen (CM) - 7/10 - Loose in possession on too many occasions. After a poor game, he came roaring back with a thumping left-footed finish to equalise - his first league goal since July. Fired another decent long-range effort on target.

Matteo Darmian (LWB) - 5/10 - Looked slightly uncomfortable going forward on his weaker foot. Had a huge change to score in the first period but inexplicably tried to square it. Booked and hooked.

3. Forwards

Romelu Lukaku (ST) - 7/10 - Typically industrious. Should have had an assist for Darmian and hit the bar as he diverted a Brozovic strike towards goal moments later. Struck the post again soon after Inter had fallen behind. Was embroiled in a fascinating tussle with Kalidou Koulibaly throughout.

Lautaro Martinez (ST) - 6/10 - Very physical presence in the first half, putting his body about and almost taking it a bit too far. Was quiet in the second period before being subbed.

4. Substitutes

Ivan Perisic - 5/10

Alexis Sanchez - 6/10 - Played a wonderful pass for Hakimi at the death, but the wing-back couldn't capitalise.

Roberto Gagliardini - N/A

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