Andrea Stramaccioni praised Inter for their remarkable 3-2 comeback in Catania and assured Antonio Cassano will be back. “Who would’ve bet on us?”
Andrea Stramaccioni praised Inter for their remarkable 3-2 comeback in Catania and assured Antonio Cassano will be back. “Who would’ve bet on us?”
The Nerazzurri were 2-0 down at the break and risked more, but Rodrigo Palacio came off the bench to set up one goal and score two more.
“We got off to an absolutely terrible start, aided by the crazy atmosphere in the stadium,” confessed the Coach.
“Catania started well, while we made awful mistakes on the two goals we conceded. At a time like this, if the team did not have real grit, then it would’ve been incredibly difficult to come back from that.
“Juan Jesus made a mistake on the opening goal, but I like to point out he is young and shook that off to play a very good second half, proving his character.
“It is an extremely important victory, as it was earned against the form team in Serie A right now. I don’t know how many people would’ve bet on us winning at half-time…
“We gave it everything we had in the second half. Fredy Guarin had an ankle problem and was trying to grit his teeth to help the team, but I decided not to risk him anymore.”
Tommaso Rocchi had his first start in an Inter jersey, but made no impact and it was when Palacio replaced him that the game changed.
“Rocchi played his game and had some chances. His performance was sufficient, as he hadn’t played in a while and it is important for him to rediscover match fitness.
“We have five games in quick succession, so I decided to leave Palacio on the bench to preserve his energy.”
Naturally, Stramaccioni was asked about Cassano, who was dropped for this game after a blazing row in the locker room on Friday.
“Tomorrow we will train and Cassano will be present. We must prepare as best we can for Thursday’s game with Tottenham.
“Cassano was never frozen out, as in any locker room there can be discussions. I make my decisions and not calling him up wasn’t punishment for this situation. He will play against Tottenham. I am mainly disappointed that certain things were leaked outside the locker room.”