Dnipro vs. Inter Milan: Winners and Losers from Europa League Game
A solid but unspectacular performance from Italian side Inter Milan saw them overcome Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk 1-0 in the Europa League on Thursday.
The clash in Kiev was a tense affair that was decided by Danilo D'Ambrosio's 71st-minute goal.
The Ukrainian team did not make matters easy for Inter, but in the end Walter Mazzari will be pleased his side got off to a winning start in Group F.
Here are the individual winners and losers from the game.
Winner: Yevhen Konoplyanka
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In a tight match, Dnipro playmaker Yevhen Konoplyanka looked like one of the few players on the pitch with enough guile to break the game open.
Whenever the left-sided midfielder took possession of the ball, Dnipro appeared more dangerous, and Inter's defence were on constant alert to the danger he posed with his elusive runs and probing passes.
Danilo D'Ambrosio, in particular, struggled to cope with Konoplyanka's threat. Little wonder that the 24-year-old has already been capped 36 times for Ukraine.
Loser: Fredy Guarin
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Inter's Colombian forward Guarin offered little to the side going forward, and it is hard to see why he was not replaced in the second half.
As a second striker, Guarin failed to create any substantial chances for target man Mauro Icardi, and when he was gifted a golden opportunity himself in the 51st minute, courtesy of a lofted Hernanes pass, he headed over the bar from close range.
The 28-year-old was involved in the lead-up to D'Ambrosio's goal, but the breakthrough was more down to the wing-back's persistence rather than any telling contribution from the attacker.
Guarin will have to do more if he is to earn himself a regular starting role for Inter.
Winner: Douglas
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Inter's forwards did not enjoy a fruitful night, in part thanks to a fine showing from Dnipro centre-back Douglas.
The Brazilian was a rock at the back for his side, stifling the influence of Icardi, Guarin and substitute Dani Osvaldo.
The big ex-Vasco da Gama man can be more than satisfied with his contribution to Dnipro's cause, even if he ended up on the losing side.
Loser: Ruslan Rotan
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Dnipro captain Ruslan Rotan played the game at a high level of intensity and, after getting a booking on the hour mark, only lasted seven more minutes until he picked up a second yellow and received his marching orders.
The Ukrainian's foul on Guarin may not have been overly vicious, but he had been testing the referee's patience all evening with some feisty challenges, and it was only a matter of time before he took a step too far.
Rotan left his team a man short, and Inter capitalised with the opening goal moments later.
Winners: Juan Jesus and Dodo
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Inter were particularly impressive down the left flank thanks to Brazilian pair Juan Jesus and Dodo, who are developing an excellent understanding with each other.
Wing-back Dodo contributes a great deal to the team's attacking play, regularly bursting forward, combining with the midfielders and forwards, and sending in telling crosses.
The reason he is allowed to be so adventurous is because he knows Juan has the left side of defence covered as part of Inter's back three.
The defender is rarely caught out of position and makes himself extremely difficult to get past when confronted with an opposition attacker.
Both youngsters (ages 23 and 22, respectively) are good enough to feature regularly for their national side over the next few years.
