Simone Inzaghi credited Inter with ‘making it look simple’ against Sheriff Tiraspol, keeping their heads and not getting frustrated, putting themselves in the Champions League driving seat.
The Nerazzurri dominated in Moldova with a 3-1 result, although there could’ve been more goals and they only conceded to an Adama Traore header in stoppages.
Marcelo Brozovic drilled in from the edge of the box, then Milan Skriniar bundled over the line after two desperate saves and Alexis Sanchez fired into the roof of the net within 60 seconds of coming off the bench.
It means Inter now leapfrog Sheriff into second place in the group on seven points, behind Real Madrid with nine.
“Let’s say that this evening we improved our position in the group, now our destiny is in our hands and we must go into the last two games with great concentration,” Inzaghi told Mediaset Infinity.
Inter tried everything to break Sheriff down in the first half, denied by the woodwork and two goal-line clearances.
“There was the risk after 10 or 12 chances that we’d get frustrated and frenetic, but instead the lads were always sharp and focused. We made it seem simple, but don’t forget Sheriff beat Real Madrid in Madrid and also Shakhtar Donetsk. This gives us more confidence.”
Inzaghi will experience his first Derby della Madonnina in Serie A on Sunday against Milan, having taken the Inter job from Antonio Conte over the summer.
“We know what awaits us, it means a lot to our fans and the club. We must prepare it in the best way with just three days to get ready.
“It’s a long flight back to Italy, but we will try to recoup that physical and above all psychological energy.”