Simone Inzaghi defended his decisions to revamp the Inter squad in their 1-1 Champions League draw with Real Sociedad. ‘It was the right thing to do.’
The Nerazzurri had a very poor overall performance in San Sebastian, gifting a goal in the opening minutes when the high press caught Alessandro Bastoni out for the Brais Mendez opener.
Real Sociedad also hit the frame of the goal, but Inter equalised with their first shot on target, Lautaro Martinez redirecting a wayward Davide Frattesi effort as he got to the back post.
“I predicted it could go like this, we were facing a quality opponent, we suffered, but did well to stay in the game,” Inzaghi told Amazon Prime Video Italia.
“We equalised and at the end of it wanted the win. It was our first match, we’ll take the point and realised what I had warned, which is that Real Sociedad are a quality team.”
It looked a world away from the side that beat Milan 5-1 in Serie A at the weekend and perhaps five changes from that starting XI, including the debut of Benjamin Pavard, were too many.
“I had many players who were tired, but everyone at Inter struggled in the first half, not just those who were changed. Yann Sommer helped us stay in the game and we did well in the final 20 minutes.”
Perhaps the most surprising decision was to rest Marcus Thuram and start Marko Arnautovic upfront instead.
“We have a large squad that we need to make the most of. Many players had issues after the derby and we needed to evaluate everything very carefully,” assured Inzaghi.
“I need everyone and would’ve made a few changes regardless, but I made more because some players were not in good shape. Playing after international duty, after a derby, this was the right thing to do.”
It is already shaping up to be an interesting group, as RB Salzburg won 2-0 away to 10-man Benfica and Inter’s next game will be at home against the Portuguese side.
Antonio Silva was sent off after just 13 minutes and will therefore be suspended at San Siro.
Empoli coming up this weekend provides an opportunity to rest literally everyone.
Resting HALF of your starting lineup in a tough Champion’s League road match is the height of arrogance, and Inzaghi is very fortunate to escape with a very underserved draw.