Simone Inzaghi fears Marko Arnautovic will be out injured ‘for quite a while’ and wants Inter to be more clinical in killing games off after the 1-0 win away to Empoli.
It was tougher than expected to break down rock bottom Empoli under new coach Aurelio Andreazzoli, as in the end a stunning Federico Dimarco half-volley into the far top corner proved enough.
There were a few nervous moments at the end, especially after Marko Arnautovic collapsed with a suspected hamstring strain.
“That is the negative news of the day, because he felt pain in the muscle and we will lose him for quite a while. It’s a pity, he is a very important player and had settled in well,” Inzaghi told Sky Sport Italia.
The Nerazzurri continued their 100 per cent record in Serie A, winning the opening five rounds for the fourth time in their history after 2019-20, 2015-16 and 1966-67.
“As for personal glory, that does not interest me very much, I am more about the team. We were up against an Empoli side that was making its debut against a new coach and determined to turn things around.
“We probably should’ve killed the game off earlier with all the chances that we had, so it ended up being a little anxious at the end, especially with Arnautovic’s injury leaving us down to 10 men.”
It has been noted that Inter play better in the big games than when visiting provincial sides, as if they need that extra motivation.
“All teams who play this often can struggle to remain sharp in every game. This was not an easy match, despite Empoli’s current problems, but we probably should’ve been more determined in getting the second goal to give us a cushion, because in the final minutes anything can happen.”
Davide Frattesi received his first start in the Inter jersey today, but was replaced by Nicoló Barella, so will we ever see the two Italy midfielders together?
“They can play together without problems, but Davide had a slight muscular issue in the last 10 days and has now recovered.”
Inzaghi rotates his squad better than most coaches, but Inter really cannot do without Hakan Calhanoglu and Lautaro Martinez.
“They are two very important players for us, but Calhanoglu was rested last time, Lautaro played 65 minutes well and then I introduced Arnautovic. We have many players in the squad, so I must use them as an opportunity and not a problem.”
Inzaghi had so many critics last season who then changed their tune when he reached the Champions League Final, but he was not swayed by them, nor by the praise he is receiving now.
“I am always concentrated on my work. It’s natural in football that the verdict on you changes a lot from one game to another, but my staff and I know what we did in previous seasons and what is still left to do. There will be a very intense run of games and we must recover as much physical and mental energy as possible.”