The Old Lion Doesn’t Give Up: Mkhitaryan Delivers a Powerful Performance for Inter

Inter claimed a 2–0 away victory over Parma. The goals were scored by Federico Dimarco and Marcus Thuram. The match was special for Inter head coach Cristian Chivu, who managed Parma last season. Another symbolic moment came late in the game when striker Ange-Yoan Bonny appeared on the pitch — he even scored, but the goal was disallowed for a foul.

Because of the very heavy fog, you might not have noticed it, but Henrikh Mkhitaryan played the full 90 minutes and was one of Inter’s most effective players, especially in the attacking phase.

The almost 37-year-old Armenian consistently sharpened the play, delivered three key passes and created one clear-cut scoring chance that Petar Sučić failed to convert.

Mkhitaryan’s stats (SofaScore — 7.2)

• 4 shots (1 on target)
• 3 key passes
• 0.54 xA (expected assists)
• 79% pass accuracy
• 3 tackles
• 2 interceptions
• 9 ball recoveries
• 4 duels won

After this round, Inter remain top of Serie A with 42 points — even if Milan defeat Genoa.

How Italian media rated Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s performance against Parma

Fcinternews — 6.5
Back in the starting lineup after losing minutes to Zieliński, and clearly showing no physical issues. Covers his entire flank in both halves of the pitch, works actively on the ball, frequently joins attacks with Dimarco and attempts crosses — with mixed success. Tries his luck from distance, but Corvi is well positioned. Maintains a high tempo until the final whistle and is one of the most reliable players when playing the ball out of danger.

90min — 6.5
An important performance in an attempt to turn things around after the end of 2025, when he was increasingly less involved. A positive match and a full 90 minutes on the pitch.

L’Interista — 6.5
Smart and effective — exactly as much as needed. Elegantly escapes extremely difficult situations.

NerazzurriSiamoNoi — 6.5
Provides Sučić with the assist for the second goal, clearly showcasing all his qualities.

Eurosport — 6.5
A strong performance by the Armenian — a tireless engine from start to finish. Sends Sučić one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but his teammate somehow fails to score.

Inter player ratings vs Parma (Leggo.it)

Sommer — 6
Only one worrying moment in the first half — Ondrejka’s volley hitting the crossbar. Calm and confident thereafter.

Bisseck — 6.5
First joins the attack dangerously, his shot from outside the box is tipped onto the bar by Corvi. Then reliably contains Ondrejka, forcing him wide.

Akanji — 7
Immediately engages in a physical battle with Pellegrino and completely neutralizes him. A very solid match.

Carlos Augusto — 6
Replaces Bastoni as left centre-back. No issues defensively, useful in build-up play.

Luis Henrique — 5.5
Forced start due to injuries to Dumfries, Darmian and Diouf. Rarely threatens, crosses are predictable.
(39’ sub Acerbi — no rating)

Sučić — 5
An up-and-down performance: good moments followed by mistakes. Misses a golden chance at 0–1.
(24’ sub Barella — 6: adds energy late on)

Çalhanoğlu — 6
Operates in tight spaces, speeds up ball circulation, takes two long-range shots.
(24’ sub Zieliński — 6: comes on to control the game)

Mkhitaryan — 6.5
Starts ahead of Zieliński, who had recently overtaken him in the hierarchy. His response is an “old lion” performance, eager to reclaim his place. Volume and quality.

Dimarco — 7
Active start with dangerous crosses, then a burst forward and a precise near-post finish — a goal against his former club.

Esposito — 6.5
Constant battle with defenders, involved in the goal-scoring move. A fighter.
(34’ sub Thuram — 6.5: scores the 2–0 in the final seconds)

Lautaro — 6
First match in several rounds without a goal, but useful in link-up play and delivers an excellent pass to Sučić.
(39’ sub Bonny — no rating)

Chivu — 7
Sixth consecutive win after the derby defeat. +4 points over Milan (with a game in hand) and Napoli — the first real attempt to pull away. Changes four positions against his former club, but the outcome remains the same: three points and top spot.