Simone Inzaghi praised Inter for their team spirit and unity after an eighth consecutive victory to beat Lazio and feels prepared for the Supercoppa with Juventus. ‘Everyone is ready to step up.’
The Biancocelesti had been the only Serie A side to beat them so far this season, but Alessandro Bastoni scored one and assisted another for Milan Skriniar in this 2-1 victory, after Ciro Immobile’s temporary equaliser.
The result allows the Nerazzurri to restore their place at the top of the table, even though they have a game in hand.
“Naturally, we wanted to start 2022 with a victory. It wasn’t easy against a team with quality, who are well-organised and despite Thursday’s game were still physically sharp.
“If we look at the statistics Inter’s victory was deserved and I am happy. We have a massive game on Wednesday in our stadium and this was the best way to prepare.”
Inter will host Juventus in the Supercoppa Italiana on Wednesday, the clash between the Scudetto holders and Coppa Italia winners.
“I am fortunate to have great players. We must continue like this, because all our antagonists won today, so there’s no time to stop and think, we just have to keep winning.
“This was our first game of the year after a long break and there was the risk of not being match fit, but I congratulated the lads for their performance.”
Hakan Calhanoglu was suspended, but Roberto Gagliardini was picked rather than Arturo Vidal in the starting XI.
“I am above all proud that everyone feels so involved. Seeing Vidal and Gagliardini do so well against Torino and Lazio, despite not playing every game, that means a lot. It shows this is a wonderful team and everyone steps up.
“I was a striker, so I know you always want to play, but everyone is a resource for the club and ready to step in.”
Now that Inter are on top, people like Max Allegri and Stefano Pioli are saying that the Scudetto is theirs to lose. Does that pile extra pressure on Inzaghi?
“When we were seven points off the top on October 22, nobody was saying that. Now after eight consecutive victories, it’s natural people are going to say it. We can only use it as motivation to keep improving.”
Inzaghi spent 20 years at Lazio as a player and a coach, so his celebration at the final whistle was muted.
“Everyone knows what Lazio means to me, I spent most of my life there and became a man at that club, so this can never be a normal game. Having said that, I am at Inter and it’s a victory I wanted with all my strength.”
Another week, another win. Grande Limone.
Next test against Atalanta…beat them pls