Inter coach Simone Inzaghi was satisfied with his players after the tense 2-1 win over Udinese, underlining their sacrifice and team spirit.
The Nerazzurri dominated proceedings at the Bluenergy Stadium in Udine but were kept on edge by the hosts’ resilient defending. The Friulian outfit took the lead through a deflected Lazar Samardzic shot, but lost their lead to a Hakan Calhanoglu penalty just after the half time break, suggesting strong words from Inzaghi.
Udinese fought hard to try and hold onto a crucial point but were left heartbroken after Davide Frattesi netted the rebound of Lautaro Martinez’s shot in the 94th minute to secure a late winner for Inter, allowing Inzaghi’s side to escape with a 2-1 win.
Inzaghi reacts to late win
Speaking to Sky Sports Italia via FcInter1908 after the match, Inzaghi first discussed the nature of Inter’s win over Udinese and the importance of their run so far.
“I would like to congratulate Udinese, they played a great match and losing like this is annoying. But I think they can be saved with their organization.
“We won an important match for the journey. We conceded an improbable goal. I gave the team the example of Roma, luckily it hasn’t happened often that we were behind. The boys were amazing.
“We have achieved 26 victories in 31 games. A great run. Now we have to stay clear. There is great harmony, everyone helps each other. Eight points to go.
“We have to be clear-headed, we will have Cagliari on Sunday. The group must go in one direction. There is great harmony, everyone helps each other, whoever comes on always gives us a great hand. Now we need to finish in the best possible way.
“My staff helped me in Roma, which for me is something extraordinary, given that we have seen each other every day for 14 years and we understand each other very well.
“Tonight, I told the boys to continue creating. The only flaw was that counter conceded in the second half and there was a great block by Mkhitaryan, who is a bit emblematic of this group.”
Inzaghi was then asked if he had any regrets for the Nerazzurri’s path in the Champions League this season.
“We have to look at our path, in Europe we are proud of what we have done and we have no regrets. In the matches against Atletico we probably deserved to win, but that’s how it went. Maybe we should have scored an extra goal at San Siro, but I have nothing to reproach these guys for.
“Tonight, it felt like we were at San Siro, a great synergy has been created with fans and a great club, who always supports us. We must continue like this. I had the conviction of winning, the Udinese goalkeeper made some extraordinary saves.
“We respected the opponent, but we put our heart into, also driven by our fans. We believed in and never gave up. These guys are doing something amazing, and they always excite me. They’re giving me everything.”