Simone Inzaghi has expressed his relief that Inter are back to scoring regularly after a poor run of form in Serie A during March and April, but admitted he always knew the goals would start flowing again, having seen how hard his strikers have been working in training.
Speaking to Inter’s internal media channels before the trip to the Stadio Olimpico to play Roma on Saturday evening, Inzaghi also noted the importance of picking up three consecutive victories in the league, having previously gone six games without a win in the league.
But, the Nerazzurri coach is aware that Roma will present a firm challenge, given that they are also vying for a spot in next year’s Champions League.
“Certainly the three matches won in a row were very important, but we are also aware of the importance of tomorrow’s match,” he told club journalists on Friday afternoon. “We face an excellent team and we have to prepare ourselves in the best possible way.
“I expect a match against a strong, motivated team, led by an excellent coach. We know it will be a match with many potential hazards and a very important result is at stake for the rankings of both sides.”
When asked about the recent turnaround in form from the players in his striking department, Inzaghi replied: “We know that strikers sometimes experience these moments, but I was quite confident, I saw them all working every day in the best possible way.
“Now I’m happy that we’re back to scoring regularly, not only the forwards, but also all the other players as well.”
Things have also improved at the other end of the pitch in Inter’s most recent league fixtures, a feat that the entire team have been responsible for according to Inzaghi.
He explained: “It’s another important fact, but I think it’s thanks to the whole team who all together don’t want to concede or concede a goal. I’m of the opinion that when you don’t concede, it’s thanks to everyone and not just the defenders.
With crucial league engagements as well as a Derby della Madonnina in the Champions League semi-final coming up in the next few weeks, Inzaghi admitted he will be relying on all members of his squad to make an impact.
“The hope for this final run-in is to have an Inter that will always try to improve match by match, we know the calendar we’ve faced and what awaits us. I’ll always want a lot of concentration, but I’m confident because I have a united and cohesive group.
“Skriniar and Gosens are missing, but rotations are fundamental for us because we are playing a lot, there is a match every 72 hours. The help of all the squad available is crucial,” he said.