Simone Inzaghi explains what he ‘liked’ most about Inter’s performance in the 1-1 draw with Chelsea and gives an important injury update on Alessandro Bastoni.
The Nerazzurri made the trip to Stamford Bridge without numerous top players, including Hakan Calhanoglu, Lautaro Martinez, Stefan de Vrij, Marko Arnautovic, Mehdi Taremi and Piotr Zielinski.
Bastoni also remained on the bench throughout, it later emerged this was due to a slight muscular issue, but he was kept out purely as a precaution.
Marcus Thuram opened the scoring after combining with Tucu Correa and Yann Sommer thought he had done enough to hold out for the win until a last-minute Lesley Ugochukwu equaliser.
Inzaghi on Inter progress
“I was not worried after the defeat in Monza, as it is normal in pre-season to have a problem with performances,” said Inzaghi, referring to the friendly loss to Al Ittihad.
“We certainly played better today and above all the legs were moving a little more freely, so that allowed us to keep the right shape and balance.”
Chelsea had several chances to score before their equaliser, above all Sommer saving the acrobatic Christopher Nkunku overhead kick and Levi Colwell thumping the upright.
“We suffered when we needed to, but what I liked was that we were always ready to cause Chelsea problems,” added the coach.
“All of this is helping us to prepare for Saturday and a very difficult match. Alberto Gilardino’s Genoa are in good shape and their fans are very enthusiastic.”
Inter begin the defence of their Serie A title next weekend at Marassi on Saturday evening.
While Calhanoglu, Bastoni and Lautaro Martinez should be fit for that game, the others may well miss out.