Player Ratings: Inter 0-1 Novara

Did not have a whole lot to do in all honesty, but was caught out for Caracciolo's fine finish to win the game for the visitors.

Despite the scoreline, he remained disciplined and did everything that was asked of him. Should not be blamed for the result.

Had the right flank all to himself, and was as industrious and powerful as ever but could not pick out the right cross for a team-mate.

The Brazilian was found wanting for Novara's goal by choosing to stand back from Caracciolo rather than closing him down in time.

It seemed to be a pleasant return to form for the Romanian full-back, with an all-action first half display, but his impact waned in the second and lost Caracciolo for his goal. Replaced by Nagatomo.

A mediocre start to match saw him act as a passenger in midfield, but began to grow in the latter stages with a number of incisive passes.

An imperious display which was overshadowed by a lack of fortune. The Dutchman never stopped working, hitting shot after shot on target, while showing great flair and guile in and around the box. Crashed an effort off the crossbar that summed up his day.

Much like Chivu, the young midfielder caught the eye with his neat distribution of the ball, as well as his willingness to provide support in advanced areas. However, he fizzled out in the second period and was replaced by Forlan.

The holding player once again looked a shadow of himself, as he failed to exert authority on the midfield battle. Did his best to help out in attack, but did not look comfortable in the final third.

The in-form hitman held the ball up well in the early stages, but he could not find the right position or finish in the second half.

Fantastic performance from the goalkeeper, who looked like a completely different player from the one a few weeks ago. Made save after save to keep his team in the game, including a world-class stop during injury time.

Had a difficult match against Zanetti, as he was forced to remain at full-back for most of the 90 minutes and failed to show much attacking prowess.

A wall-like figure in Novara's defence, the stopper averted danger on numerous occasion and was brave in the air.

Injured after 14 minutes and was replaced by Morganella.

Arguably the weakest of Novara's back five, he was extremely lucky to not concede a penalty early on after going straight through Poli, but eventually settled down.

Despite coming across as slightly too aggressive at times, his commanding presence was vital to his side holding out for the three points.

A quiet first half was compounded with a combative second, as he ran his heart out and put in a well-rounded display of attacking and defensive qualities.

Arguably his side's best player in the first half, the midfielder kept things ticking in the middle of the park with his vision, but began to struggle with the intensity in the second. Replaced by Pesce.

A decent showing as the team's anchor was marred by naivety towards the end, having conceded a pair of needless fouls and getting sent off in the process.

Set his team-mate up with a fine long-range pass, but other than that he played too deep and isolated Caracciolo on frequent occasions.