Simone Inzaghi acknowledges that Inter ‘lost our shape’ after the stunning Domenico Berardi strike for Sassuolo and were unable to get back in the game. ‘You don’t see many goals like that.’
The Nerazzurri were the only remaining unbeaten side in Serie A this season, but not only that, had a 100 per cent record with 12 goals scored and only one conceded.
So when Denzel Dumfries put them ahead on the stroke of half-time, it seemed as if this would be another comfortable victory.
However, the series of Yann Sommer saves were a warning, then two goals in nine minutes from Nadim Bajrami and Domenico Berardi turned the game around.
“We had a good first half against a quality team in good shape. For what we created, we should’ve scored more than one goal,” Inzaghi told DAZN.
“After the break, we started well, then there was the error for the 1-1 and from there we were no longer able to be sharp, to keep our shape, Berardi scored a magical goal and we lost our way.”
It has been something of a recurring theme this season, and indeed through much of Inzaghi’s tenure, that they start strong and then try to control or rest on their lead in the final half-hour.
Much like Real Sociedad, who caused Inter problems in the Champions League during a 1-1 draw, Sassuolo use four attacking players.
“There might be some similarities, but we covered the spaces well in the first half and did not allow them many counter-attacks. That is when we should’ve converted more of our chances.
“Games that are in the balance can always turn, so we should’ve been sharper and more focused. If you lose your shape against a team like Sassuolo, it becomes very difficult.”
Berardi cuts inside to shoot with his left foot all the time, but he still managed to curl it into the far top corner.
“We know Berardi, he has remarkable talent and it’s a stunning goal. You don’t see many like that. In any case, we still should’ve kept our shape after that goal, instead we were unable to create as many chances as we had before.”
This result means that Inter are caught at the top of the table by rivals Milan and have lost their unbeaten record, but remain the favourites to win the Scudetto.
“It’s disappointing, the lads were sad especially in front of our fans at home, but we must evaluate where we could’ve done better. In just over 48 hours we will be back on the pitch in another difficult match, so we must stay sharp and learn where we can still improve.”
Marko Arnautovic was ruled out for several months by a thigh strain, therefore limiting Inzaghi’s ability to rotate the squad.
“Alexis Sanchez will help us, he is training with us and already knows our methods and principles well. Clearly, Arnautovic’s injury takes away some rotation options, but we must try to keep going and get players like Cuadrado and Sensi back too.”