Cagliari 0-1 Inter Player Ratings: Çalhanoglu's 9th-Minute Strike Clinches All Three Points For Nerazzurri Despite Late Charg From Cagliari

Reigning champions Inter took on Cagliari in their second match of the 2026/27 league campaign, looking to build on their dominant win over Monza in the previous game. Cagliari also beat Parma and hoped to take at least a point against the table toppers.

Inter once again showed why they are not only the best team in Italy but also one of the best football teams in the world currently, as Nicolò Barella laid off a pass to Hakan Çalhanoglu outside the Cagliari penalty box, and the Turkishman hit a grounded shot that finished right at the bottom corner, leaving Elia Caprile rooted to the spot to take the lead in the 9th minute.

There were loads of efforts later on to double the lead from the visitors in the first half, including a toe poke from Barella which was cleared off the line by Juan Rodríguez. Inter Milan had taken 16 shots in total in the first 45 minutes, keeping Cagliari in a chokehold.

The second half saw Cagliari gradually grow more into the game, despite Inter's persistent chance creation. Chivu's side did have six chances to score, but none of them went in, with captain Lautaro Martinez skying the best chance of the second half.

One can say Inter allowed the Sardinian side to impose themselves on them, as they thwarted so many opportunities to get that second goal and kill the game. Yann Aurel Bisseck made a crucial block with his head in the 86th minute, and the shot seemed to be within the frame of the goal.

Inter showed why they are a champion team as they held on to their slender lead to pick up their second win of the season.

Check out Sportsdunia's Cagliari vs Inter Player Ratings below.

Key Takeaways

• Nicolò Barella won the most ground duels (8).
• Federico Dimarco recorded the most key passes in this match (7).
• John Stones had the most clearances in this game (5).

Cagliari Player Ratings vs Inter

Have a look at the Cagliari Player Ratings from the Cagliari vs Inter Player Ratings.

Inter Player Ratings vs Cagliari

Here are the Inter Player Ratings from the Cagliari vs Inter Player Ratings.

Man of the Match

Nicolò Barella was the best player from Cagliari vs Inter.

Worst Performer

Jacopo Fazzini was the worst performer in this Serie A fixture.