Simone Inzaghi outlines the areas where Inter ‘need to improve’ after a hard-fought 3-2 victory away to Udinese, but had ‘no doubts’ his players would react to the derby defeat.
The Nerazzurri badly needed this boost after the draw away to Monza and 2-1 defeat to bitter rivals Milan in the Derby della Madonnina.
They certainly came out with the right attitude at the Bluenergy Stadium, taking the lead within 43 seconds thanks to Davide Frattesi.
Christian Kabasele equalised with yet another header conceded by Inter this season, but Lautaro Martinez broke his goal drought in style with a brace either side of half-time.
Lorenzo Lucca set up a tense finale, but they held on for the 3-2 victory.
“The lads were fantastic. I am very satisfied and congratulate them, because Udinese had 10 points and Inter came here with a wonderful first half,” Inzaghi told DAZN.
“Our only error was not converting more of the clear-cut chances, then we conceded when we should’ve cleared it better, but we did not lose concentration.
“We scored three goals, but considering all that we created, we should’ve had a few more. As we saw, Udinese got into the box twice and scored both times, Sommer barely made a save, so you never know in these situations.”
Inzaghi admires Inter fightback
The pressure was on after the 2-1 loss to Milan in the derby last Sunday, with some suggesting Inter needed to rediscover their hunger.
“I looked my players in the eye this morning and had no doubts we’d see this performance. It was a delicate week after that defeat, but the fans played their part with strong support, as they always have done,” continued Inzaghi.
“We have seen this season already how difficult it is in Serie A, as every game is extremely tough, so we need to be more clinical with our opportunities.”
Inter conceded only four headers in Serie A throughout all of last season, but already let three in this term, so is Inzaghi worried about that?
“Without doubt, that is an area where we need to improve. We’ve got to clear the area earlier, stop the cross coming in and occupy the space better.”
Lautaro Martinez had not scored at all this season and wasted yet more opportunities today, but broke that duck with a brace.
“He is our captain, we all know what Lautaro represents for us. He never stopped working, we know for a striker there are these moments, he had two chances last Sunday that he would’ve scored in different circumstances. I am happy for him, but above all for the team, as I saw how much the players were hurt by the defeat. Sometimes defeats can make you stronger.”
Inter are back in action on Tuesday at San Siro with the Champions League tie against Crvena Zvezda, also known as Red Star Belgrade.
“I have players on the bench who all want to feel involved and are all part of the project.”