Dejan Stankovic praised Sampdoria for their ‘intense, hard-fought battle’ to take a point off Inter, acknowledging they will need a ‘miracle’ to avoid relegation.
The Blucerchiati earned their second consecutive draw, having conceded a last-gasp equaliser from Monza in their 2-2 last week, but this was far more prestigious and morale-boosting.
Scudetto contenders Inter were unable to truly test Emil Audero at Marassi, only a Francesco Acerbi strike flapped onto the crossbar in stoppages, and the 0-0 result is certainly progress.
“It was a very intense game, a battle, hard-fought, I congratulate the team. We are finding some consistency,” Stankovic told Sky Sport Italia.
“I am sorry that I didn’t speak after Monza, but I was so sad and upset after the last-minute incident, still I regret not praising my team and our fans after that. Our situation is not easy, but we fight to the end.”
This was a special match for Stankovic, who both won the Treble at Inter and was also Simone Inzaghi’s teammate at Lazio for several years.
“I congratulate Simone, who has a really strong Inter side and I wish them all the best. We tried to cause them problems, at times we were a bit frenetic, but I understand the players feel the tension on the field I cannot get angry with them for that. With a little more calm, we might’ve been more effective on the counter-attack. We had our chances, Inter did too, but when you give your all, sometimes luck can turn your way.
“I believe in hard work, pride and determination, which we have in spades. Some call it a miracle, fine let it be a miracle. My only job here is to give courage to these lads, make them a team who rejoice and suffer together, who can leave the field with heads held high.”
Samp’s position in the table remains worrying, as they are in penultimate place with just 11 points and now eight adrift of Spezia and the safety zone.
“I don’t like to look behind, conceding last minute against Empoli, against Udinese, against Monza. If you don’t learn from your mistakes, you lose twice.
“We believe in our work, we also have to deal with injuries and suspensions, I compliment Murillo who showed his character and form after not playing for a long time.
“We wanted to press high, take a calculated risk, go on the counter, but it was also the way Inter played that pushed us further back, for example we saw several times Hakan Calhanoglu with a first touch managed to play his way out of midfield. That is hard to play against.”
There was a special message too from Stankovic, after Inter warmed up with ‘Pray for Turkey’ shirts, and for one of his old bosses.
“I wish to unite with Calhanoglu, our Ilkhan, showing support for all those who are suffering in Turkey and Syria. Also I want to wish good health to Alberto Zaccheroni, hoping the coach recovers as quickly as possible.”
Zaccheroni is in hospital after being knocked unconscious in a fall at his home.