Simone Inzaghi spreads the praise throughout the Inter squad after beating Lazio 2-0 and makes a bold Champions League draw prediction. ‘I think we’re getting Manchester City.’
The Nerazzurri were ruthless when pouncing on defensive errors at the Stadio Olimpico, as Lautaro Martinez intercepted the terrible Adam Marusic back-pass and Marcus Thuram was sent through by Nicolò Barella.
“This is the kind of match that makes coaches happy, because we all worked together, allowed a good side like Lazio very little and together won in an arena where it will be difficult for everyone,” Inzaghi told DAZN.
“We had a lot of important players at home, like De Vrij, Dumfries, Cuadrado and Sanchez, but we held out, covered the pitch well and should’ve been better on the Rovella chance, which was practically the only one Lazio created. It is no fluke that Lazio finished second last season.
“There are 22 Serie A rounds to go, plus the other competitions. We have done well so far, but we’re only four months into the season. We are top of the table, but must continue like this, working in the same direction as a unit.
“The great thing is that I can change personnel, but the squad always gives me the same guarantees.”
Yann Bisseck had a rare start in defence and put in a good performance, not just for his extraordinary physical presence in the box.
“He did really well, I think it was a great test for him, as Lazio are dangerous down that flank with Zaccagni and Marusic. He works hard, has almost perfectly learned Italian now, so I had no doubts. Pavard had his first training session with the squad yesterday, he wanted to come to Rome with the squad, but it would’ve been a risk to play him.
“Bisseck was calm, never seemed flustered and looked like he had played at this level all the time.”
This will always be an emotional venue for Inzaghi, who spent most of his career at the Stadio Olimpico.
“Lazio is different to other games, I can not forget 22 years. I will always be grateful to these fantastic fans who loved me as a player and a coach.”
The win means they are now four points clear at the top of the Serie A table, as Juventus were held to a 1-1 draw by Genoa on Friday evening.
“We have a Coppa Italia game coming up next week, we are the trophy holders and want to defend that title. There is a very long way to go, we must keep working like this and try to go as far as possible in every tournament.”
Their record against the top 10 this season is eight wins and two draws, as the only stalemates were against Juventus and Bologna.
Inter are eight points better off than they were at this stage last season and are on track to match Napoli’s tally from the first half of last term.
The draw for the Champions League Round of 16 is on Monday, so Inzaghi was asked who he would like to face and named last season’s Final opponents.
“I think we’re going to draw Manchester City, but we’ll see what happens. All the teams in the draw are very strong and will be a big test.”
A good time to play them would be now.
We’ll see what they’re like in a a few months.