Simone Inzaghi admits Inter ‘couldn’t have asked for a better start’ after crushing Genoa 4-0 and warns Hakan Calhanoglu ‘doesn’t realise how good he is.’
The Nerazzurri had the ideal start to the season and their title defence, sweeping Genoa aside 4-0, with another two goals ruled offside.
“I was pretty confident the team would do well, as I’ve seen them working with enthusiasm and hunger since July 8, eager to learn new concepts,” Inzaghi told DAZN after replacing Antonio Conte on the bench.
“We couldn’t have asked for a better start, especially in front of our fans back in the stadium.”
Calhanoglu scored one and assisted another, combining well with Edin Dzeko.
“Calhanoglu is a great player, able to unite quality and quantity, he ran so hard for the team as well. Every time I played against him, he caused me problems. We were fortunate enough to pick him up and I think he can get stronger, because he doesn’t realise how good he is.”
Inter achieved this dominance even without suspended Lautaro Martinez and already look much more attack-minded than Conte’s largely counter-attacking approach.
“It was entertaining to watch this team play. Stefano Sensi wasn’t in his traditional role, but he’s been doing so well in training, I had to find somewhere for him. We should continue with this attitude.”
Inter are seeking another striker, with options ranging from Atalanta’s Duvan Zapata to Joaquin Correa of Lazio or Borussia Monchengladbach wide man Marcus Thuram.
“Naturally we need to complete the squad, as Romelu Lukaku’s departure was unexpected. Dzeko has already shown what kind of player he is, hopefully we’ll bring in someone else who can score big goals.”