Inter coach Simone Inzaghi said he sees Roberto De Zerbi’s ‘ideas’ in the new Shakhtar Donetsk and wants to see ‘more balance’ at the Nerazzurri on Tuesday. ‘I ask for a team who are ready to react’.
The Beneamata search for their first points in the Champions League 2021-22, as they prepare for the first leg against Shakhtar in Group D.
Inzaghi praised the opponents in the second round of fixtures and pointed at the Ukrainian side’s history in European football.
“Shakhtar have made a great journey,” Inzaghi said at a press conference. “More than 20 years have passed, and they have made a great journey coming close to the Europa League Final.
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“In recent years, they have done excellent in the Champions League too.”
Inter lost 1-0 to Real Madrid at San Siro in the first round but Inzaghi doesn’t believe the match against the Ukrainians will be decisive for the final outcome.
“Not yet, but certainly very important,” he continued. “Shakhtar are a great team, very well trained, with great individuals.
“We must play a good game, knowing that we come from a good performance against Atalanta. I really liked the team and their reaction.”
Roberto De Zerbi left Sassuolo to take over Shakhtar this summer, a coach Inzaghi knows well from Serie A.
“After seeing Shakhtar in the last few games, we realise he’s trying to bring his ideas of football and he has done well,” Inzaghi added. “In two and a half months it looks a lot like his ideas.”
The Nerazzurri coach wants to see a ‘more balanced’ Inter in the second round of the Champions League and is aware of the dangerous counter attacks.
“I ask for a team who are ready to react, ready to play football well,” Inzaghi said. “Those two things have been seen over the first six games.
“But I would like to see more balance, we attack with many players and develop a lot. But we might have to look for less difficult choices.
“Failing simple passes might lead to very dangerous counter attacks and transitions.”
Inzaghi admitted Inter have struggled at times against opposition who press high up the pitch.
“We found some difficulties and some games where we went behind, but I’m delighted with the reactions from my team,” he continued.
“Despite some unfavourable episodes, and there were more than one, the team has always remained aware and in the game.”
Inzaghi was asked if he’s planning to make any changes to find more balance ahead of the clash with the Ukrainians.
“We are an attacking team, who develop the game and do it in amplitude,” he said. “On certain days, if we make more mistakes than usual and against quality opponents, we could suffer.
“But we will always try to create our game, create opportunities, just like we are doing.”
I think Inzaghi will put Vecino as a starting line up instead of Hakan for more balance.