Inter coach Simone Inzaghi ‘can’t blame’ Romelu Lukaku for not voting him in the 2023 FIFA Best Men’s Coach award but warns his players about Supercoppa opponents Lazio, plus Juventus and Milan who are involved in the Serie A title race.
Inter meet Lazio in the Supercoppa semi-final on Friday. It is the first time that four clubs are involved in the competition, with Coppa Italia and Serie A runners-up meeting the title holders.
“The Supercoppa is the first objective of the season. Inter won it in the last two years and we want to win it again. We’ll do our best,” Inzaghi said at a pre-match press conference as quoted by FCInter1908.
Has he already decided on the starting line-up?
“We have another training session and I need to make careful assessments,” said the Nerazzurri boss.
“Everyone was available yesterday, except Cuadrado. I have to make decisions, being a final played over two legs. Now, I am only thinking about the Lazio game. I am serene, Inter have the same ambitions as Lazio, Napoli and Fiorentina. Tomorrow, we meet an undefeated team in the last five, and it has always caused trouble for us.”
Defending Serie A champions Napoli and Coppa Italia runners-up Fiorentina will meet in the other semi-final tonight, while the Final is scheduled for Monday, January 22. All games will be played at the Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Inzaghi was asked if he expects the signing of a new striker in the January window.
“We have a club behind us, that is thinking about it. I am satisfied with my four strikers in the first part of the season, they are giving us great satisfaction,” he replied.
Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri caused controversy on Tuesday by saying that the Serie A title race is like a challenge involving ‘guards and thieves’ where guards try to catch the thieves running away.
“I’ve read and heard something, I think it’s a normal dynamic in the football world,” noted Inzaghi.
“I’ve been in this world for a long time and I can say I know it well. There is a great duel in Serie A, but I wouldn’t forget Milan who are just a few points behind. They have an excellent team and they are fit.”
Lastly, Inzaghi commented on Lukaku’s votes for the 2023 FIFA Best Men’s Coach award as the Belgium captain had snubbed his ex-boss Inzaghi, picking Pep Guardiola, Xavi and Luciano Spalletti.
“Lukaku voted for three great coaches and I can’t blame him because he picked three excellent colleagues,” Inzaghi claimed.
“I was not alone in London. Staff members, directors, the president and especially my lads allowed me to be there. I am satisfied to have been named among those three.”