Simone Inzaghi has spoken of Inter’s determination to pick up three points against Spezia and his confidence in Romelu Lukaku, whilst issuing a squad injury update ahead of their Serie A clash at the Stadio Alberto Picco.
Inzaghi was talking to Inter’s internal club media department ahead of the game against the Aquilotti, which kicks off at 19.45 GMT on Friday evening.
Ahead of the 26th round of league fixtures, Inzaghi is confident that the Nerazzurri have put the disappointing 1-0 loss to Bologna at the end of February behind them and expects his team to put in a solid showing against Spezia.
“We reacted well to the defeat and played really well against Lecce,” he said. “We need to carry on in this way, keeping our determination levels high starting from tomorrow’s game with Spezia.”
“I’m expecting a tough game against a team who are fighting for a clear objective, and who have changed head coach. They’re coming off the back of two good draws so we’ll have to play the game as best we can, making sure we do the basics right.”
There have been concerns recently from a section of Inter supporters who feel as if Inzaghi is too fixated on his preferred 3-5-2 formation.
When asked what he thought of comments that he doesn’t seem to have a Plan B when things aren’t working out for Inter, Inzaghi replied: “During a game, things can always be changed, like putting on an extra striker. Each decision that has to be made I try to make the right judgement calls.”
“Initially in my career, and also in my first year as a professional footballer, I played in another formation. Here at Inter, and in the last few years at Lazio, there were the right ingredients in the players to play that way, in my opinion, and we obtained some big results.”
Inzaghi was also asked by Inter’s club media whether Friday evening’s game at the Alberto Picco could be the turning point in Romelu Lukaku’s season.
He responded: “We know how important a player he is for us; he’s had a tough time of it recently. Now, though, he’s showing some good signs. He’s training well every day and has already got us a crucial goal in the game with Porto. We want him to continue improving himself physically so he can contribute more and help to bring us more victories.”
The Nerazzurri coach also provided an update on the availability of a number of players, including Federico Dimarco, Joaquin Correa and Milan Skriniar.
“Dimarco is good, and is in the squad. Correa has partially returned to the group, but won’t be available for Spezia. Unfortunately, Skriniar is still out, but I’m hopeful he can be with us, partially, on Saturday on our return to training,” Inzaghi confirmed.
The game against Spezia will be one too soon for the return of Marcelo Brozovic, although there are hopes that he will be able to take to the field in the near future.
“Day by day his condition is getting better, and he’ll soon be back being the player we all know and love,” according to Inzaghi.