Simone Inzaghi celebrates Inter’s victory away to Juventus as ‘a fundamental step’ in the Scudetto race, reveals he asked the club to postpone a contract extension and hits back at critics.
The Nerazzurri had not won on their Serie A travels yet in 2022, but broke that drought with their first league victory in Turin since November 2012.
It sets up a thrilling Scudetto race, as Milan – who play tomorrow against Bologna – and Napoli are on 66 points, Inter are on 63 and have a game in hand.
Serie A | Juventus 0-1 Inter: Derby d’Italia decided by repeat penalty
The Derby d’Italia was decided by a Hakan Calhanoglu penalty, but it was originally parried by Wojciech Szczesny and had to be retaken due to encroachment, the Turkey international scoring at the second attempt.
“It’s a fundamental step for us. We are chasing down Milan and Napoli, we know that we’ve dropped points lately, but will try to recover them over the remaining eight games,” Inzaghi told DAZN.
“I didn’t feel pressure, because to be honest, we’re doing better than I had expected at this stage in terms of results, performances and trophies.
“We were missing some important players lately, things people would’ve talked about for other clubs, whereas for us they discussed tactics.
“I remember at the start of the season what people were saying, I remember Inter hadn’t won at the Juventus Stadium for 11 years. This is nonetheless still a stepping-stone and I remember full well what people said not so long ago.”
Inter director Beppe Marotta told DAZN before the match that Inzaghi’s future was not in doubt, regardless of this evening’s result.
“I have a two-year contract, the club has already asked me to extend, but I asked them to wait until the end of the season. In my view, contracts are worth only so much,” revealed the coach.
“We know that seven months of work were obfuscated by draws against Genoa, Torino and Fiorentina. I feel faith from the club, the players, the fans.
“Evidently, we entertained people so much for six or seven months that they got spoilt and had to criticise. I am fortunately able now to differentiate between constructive criticism and those created for other reasons.”
Inzaghi was asked about the penalty, which was awarded after a VAR review, and the decision to retake it due to encroachment.
“It was a penalty and it should’ve just been allowed to stand as a goal the first time, because there was no Calhanoglu foul.
“We had a similar situation the last time we played Juve at San Siro, plus I was sent off for throwing my coat away. I accepted the draw and stayed quiet.”
Finally, Inzaghi was asked how Juve caused Inter the most problems, but his response was confident.
“We didn’t have many difficulties tonight. I remember Juve hit the crossbar in the first half with a foul on Handanovic. Zakaria had a run and struck the woodwork, but my lads cut out most of the danger.”
Inzaghi: “Il rigore c’era e non andava ripetuto. Io all’andata espulso per il lancio della giacca” https://t.co/RgD85wJuMj
— TUTTOmercatoWEB (@TuttoMercatoWeb) April 3, 2022
Talking about the contract extension like Inter won’t change their minds if they mess up royally in the next 7 matches.
Is he trying to jinx himself?
Haha great memory. They played awful and created zero chances
Get over yourself, Inzaghi. You barely scraped a win as the league champions against a team that’s still rebuilding who made you look like amateurs. Far more is needed. Didn’t have difficulties? Look at the highlights, mate. 8 games to save himself.
Love how Juventini are crying over the truth Inzaghi’s speaking. The tears are wonderful.
Juve dominated Inter totally today and on top of that where robbed by the ref decision. Still Inzaghi talks fake news that would make Putin proud.
@Tom – Truth?? We played really bad, and have been all 2022. He needs to wake up and stop living in denial. The way we play we won’t win anything!
I don’t know what he’s talking about, as a neutral I saw a Juve who dominated the match. They had 23 (5) shots to Inter’s 5 (1)
@Patrick Ghigo Never were truer words written
This guy is delusional. He’s a mediocre coach at best, making awful subs and only tactic is put in defensive players if he has a small lead. Keeping Dzeko on the pitch for 90minutes is ridiculous. If Zhang isn’t shopping around for a replacement he’s failing as a owner. Renewing his contract would be a HUGE mistake.