Simone Inzaghi feels Inter had an ‘almost perfect October’ after winning six of their last seven games and they are still in the Scudetto race, but he’ll have tough choices to make when Marcelo Brozovic returns.
The Nerazzurri made it four Serie A wins on the bounce and made short work of Dejan Stankovic’s Sampdoria, with goals from Stefan de Vrij, Nicolò Barella and Joaquin Correa.
It builds momentum and self-confidence after they secured their place in the Champions League Round of 16, eliminating Barcelona, winning six of their last seven competitive matches.
“The team is in good shape, feels confident, is putting together convincing victories, but we must continue. We saw nobody is slowing down in Serie A, but our October was almost perfect,” Inzaghi told Sky Sport Italia.
“I really enjoy watching this team play. We have the right shape, we know what we want to do, I’m bringing back players who had been injured, we’re still missing Brozovic. When a coach has options to choose from, that is always good.”
Inter face Juventus next week and are currently eight points off leaders Napoli, so can they still dream of the Scudetto?
“We need to check the fixture list from here to the break for the World Cup, there are some tough games, but having said that it’s early days in the season. We made mistakes, the others are all going at a great pace, we’ve also got Bayern Munich coming up on Tuesday and need to put in a strong performance.”
Hakan Calhanoglu has been a revelation filling in for injured Brozovic as a playmaker, whereas last season Inter fell away in the title race precisely during Brozovic’s absence.
“He is doing very well, so are Mkhitaryan and Barella. Unfortunately, when I realised Brozovic’s injury was serious, we were in a tricky situation. Asllani is growing day by day, but Hakan already liked moving into that position even when in a wider role, so I knew he could do it.
“We probably won’t have Brozovic for Tuesday, but after that I will have an abundance of riches to choose from. That is the job of a coach, he is paid to make these tough decisions.”
Tucu Correa has often been criticised by Inter fans and media for his performances, but scored a splendid goal this evening, running 62 metres from close to his own penalty area.
“Correa knows I have a lot of faith in him, I know him very well and I think last season he did well when in good shape. He had another injury problem, it’s tough to play at San Siro, but he’s an Argentina international, has won a great deal in his career and works every day knowing there is a lot of competition here.”
Stankovic was a teammate of Inzaghi at Lazio, but before that Simone scored his debut Serie A goal for Piacenza against Deki’s team.
“It was my debut, Materazzi gave me a lot of confidence and was a very, very important coach for me.”