Simone Inzaghi praised Inter’s team spirit as they ‘wanted this win at all costs’ against Torino, but warns he will not pick a first choice between Samir Handanovic and Andre Onana.
The Nerazzurri were in crisis mode after defeats to Lazio, Milan and Bayern Munich, then were jeered off the pitch at half-time when failing to get a single shot on target.
After Samir Handanovic made several decisive saves, Inter regained confidence and snatched victory at the 89th minute with Nicolò Barella’s floated ball over the top for Marcelo Brozovic to volley in from five yards.
This result allows Inter to leapfrog Torino in the Serie A table on 12 points to 10.
“It’s a very important victory, we wanted it at all costs, fought as a team against a side that is very difficult to take on. We knew that we’d have to suffer today, our fans were with us to the end, I liked the fighting spirit, because games like this are very, very important to win,” Inzaghi told DAZN.
“I wanted the win, for us to get back to winning ways. We know the pressure is always on to win, unfortunately this week we were up against a side in Bayern Munich who are the best in the world when it comes to intensity.
“Seeing the team work all together in difficult circumstances, that is the most pleasing thing for a coach.”
The first half performance was tense, timid and dismal without a single shot on target, but Inter came out fighting after the break.
“Torino made it very difficult for us, they blocked off all the passing channels, so we had to use the goalkeeper to get the ball moving. We talked at half-time and knew we needed to find a way to get the ball to our forwards.”
Handanovic returned to the line-up after Andre Onana’s strong performance against Bayern Munich, but he gave a strong response with a series of crucial saves.
“Onana is a goalkeeper who I knew was strong, but seeing him in training, he’s even better than I thought. He came here knowing Handanovic is our first choice, now I intend to decide on a game by game basis, just like with the outfield players.
“Handanovic is a goalkeeper of great quality, he’s proved that over the years at Inter, and we know substitutes can be decisive at any moment in the season.”
Does this victory take a weight off Inter’s shoulders and shake off some of the pressure that had been building?
“Clearly, wins boost confidence. We have won four of our six games, we have 12 points, but we’re improving as individuals and as a team. If you are not a team, you don’t win matches like this.”
no point keeping GK guessing, onana is better than handanovic, handanovic youve been a great servent,
Inzaghi should put Aslani as starting line up. With Inter‘s tight schedule, Aslani and Mkhitsryan can start if the coach should rest Barella, Hakan or Brozovic.
Pochettino did the same thing, and then he was sacked.
Lucky inter.
Terrible game.
Exactly.. they were lucky