Simone Inzaghi had ‘no doubts’ his Inter squad would step up against Fiorentina even with key players missing and shrugs off suggestions he is ‘touchy’ about Juventus.
The Nerazzurri knew that Juventus were held to a 1-1 draw by Empoli last night, so a win would send them top going into the February 4 Scudetto showdown at San Siro, even with a game in hand.
Lautaro Martinez struck early by nodding in the Kristjan Asllani corner and Yann Sommer first gave away a penalty, then saved it from Nico Gonzalez to secure the three points.
“Clearly, after taking the lead, we had lots of chances where we could’ve done better, including one where Terracciano made a great save. After the break, there were many counter-attacks where again we usually have more quality,” Inzaghi told DAZN.
“However, I cannot reproach anything with these lads, as we won 17 games out of 21, scored 50 goals and conceded 10, so I can only applaud them.
“All games are difficult, especially in Florence against a great side like Fiorentina. This was a very important stage of the season.”
This was a particularly remarkable result considering Inter were missing suspended Hakan Calhanoglu and Nicoló Barella, so had to completely revamp their midfield.
“Kristjan Asllani was excellent, but I had no doubts about that. I was not sure if he would need one more year to develop, but he is 100 per cent part of the squad and always trains well. Any coach is fortunate to work with a lad like this and I’m glad he provided the assist for Lautaro’s goal.
“He had not played 95 minutes for a long time, so that shows you how well he’s been training to keep in shape.”
Inzaghi rested Federico Dimarco, so was asked if he made decisions based on the upcoming Scudetto showdown with Juventus?
“We take it one game at a time, we don’t make false tables. We were coming off two big Supercoppa games, I gave the players two days off to rest, as they deserve it.”
The reference to ‘false’ tables is because Inter have a game in hand to be played against Atalanta that will be played next month.
“It is a match between two very good teams who are having a remarkable run of results, almost identical ones. It was not a spectacular match in Turin, there were two very good goals, on Sunday we are in front of our home fans.”
Max Allegri said that he will stop making snide jokes and comments in the build-up to that clash because Inter are ‘touchy.’
“Personally, I have no problems and don’t think it was rude at all. From Tuesday, we will start thinking about Juventus,” smiled Inzaghi.
Inter, Inzaghi: "Grande plauso ai ragazzi. Frecciate di Allegri? Per me nessun fastidio" https://t.co/x55DE6F8Ua
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