Simone Inzaghi admits it was ‘a weight off our shoulders’ when Edin Dzeko finally broke the deadlock to beat Shakhtar Donetsk. ‘The Champions League Round of 16 would be a great achievement.’
The Nerazzurri will be able to celebrate qualification for the Round of 16, something Inter have not enjoyed for a decade, as long as Real Madrid don’t lose to Sheriff this evening.
It was again a real slog to break down Shakhtar Donetsk at San Siro, but Edin Dzeko’s double got the points they needed.
Champions League | Inter 2-0 Shakhtar Donetsk: Dzeko brace books R16 spot
“Dzeko’s opening goal was like a weight off our shoulders after we created so much,” Inzaghi told Sky Sport Italia, explaining his outlandish celebrations on the touchline.
“Reaching the Round of 16 would be a great achievement, I said that the day I was presented as coach of Inter. The day I signed the contract, I said this was the objective, something Inter hadn’t done in over 10 years.
“Now we’ve got 10 points and have won three in a row, getting this victory just three days after beating Napoli in Serie A.”
Antonio Conte really took control of the Scudetto race after Inter’s elimination from Europe, so are Inter capable of going all the way in both tournaments?
“We are in a good period of form, but we must also remember there are dangers around every corner and a long way to go. We wanted this victory at all costs.
“The lads are extraordinary in the way they follow my instructions and I adapted the tactics I had at Lazio to suit the players with certain characteristics. We have the most prolific attack in Serie A, but are a few points behind and want to catch up.”
Ivan Perisic put in a wonderful performance on the left this evening, creating the first goal and providing the assist for the second.
The Croatia international will be out of contract at the end of the season, so can Inter afford to lose him for free?
“Ivan is doing very well, I faced him four seasons in a row and he was always a problem for Lazio. As soon as I arrived here, I knew he could be a resource for Inter.”