Simone Inzaghi credits Inter for the 4-3 win away to Fiorentina because they ‘never stopped believing’ and sent a ‘big signal’ to the rest of the league tonight.
This was a truly chaotic match that saw the Nerazzurri go 2-0 up within 15 minutes, pegged back for 2-2 by an Arthur Cabral penalty and Jonathan Ikone strike.
Lautaro Martinez’s penalty restored the lead, wiped out again by Luka Jovic’s volley, but deep into stoppages Henrikh Mkhitaryan netted on a weak Lorenzo Venuti clearance.
“We were caught twice, the team never stopped believing,” Inzaghi told Sky Sport Italia.
“Our first 35 minutes up until the penalty were excellent, then we lost our shape a little, but those who came off the bench gave us a big hand. This was a very big signal we sent out tonight, as Fiorentina are a tough side.
“We were 2-0 up and seemed to be in control, then lost our cool after their goal, but we should’ve carried on and kept control of the match. The important thing was that we believed to the end, even with 35,000 people in the stadium cheering on our opponents.”
The Viola were furious at several decisions from referee Paolo Valeri, above all the lack of a red card for Federico Dimarco on the penalty when catching Giacomo Bonaventura knee-high, Pietro Terracciano getting a fingertip to the ball on the Lautaro spot-kick and a potential Edin Dzeko push on Nikola Milenkovic in the build-up to the winner.
Romelu Lukaku and Marcelo Brozovic are due to return soon from their injuries, but Joaquin Correa continues to struggle.
“At this moment, we have players who are young and have great potential, but it’s not easy to play in Barcelona without their experience.
“I said when people asked about Lautaro Martinez not scoring in seven games that I was not worried, as he kept getting the chances and would break through eventually.
“Correa did what he needed to tonight, I liked the first 55 minutes, he was working for the team and in the right position. Naturally, he doesn’t get the regular playing time he did at Lazio and had a few injuries, but he is working hard.”
Inter President Steven Zhang was in the stands of the Stadio Franchi, another show of unity despite the reports of a potential sale.
“The President was with us yesterday in the train here, the owners have always been close to the squad along with the directors.”
Interesting how Milan or Inter keep getting 5-6 mins extra time and scoring or getting penalties lol
When will Inzaghi stop talking about Barcelona success? Come one