Simone Inzaghi was critical of Inter’s inability to keep their lead after the team’s 2-2 draw with Genoa in the first Serie A match of the 2024-25 season, but feels like his team put in a focussed performance overall.
The Nerazzurri coach was disappointed at the manner of the goals his side conceded on Saturday; the first coming from a Yann Sommer error and the second from the penalty spot.
He feels his players created enough chances to pick up three points on the opening day, but admits that they lacked that extra bit of desire.
Inzaghi added that it will be difficult for Inter to defend their Serie A title if they continue to defend in such a way.
Inzaghi: ‘Inter can’t concede two goals like that’
“There’s disappointment. In my opinion the guys played a serious, focused game. We had a decent first half, where we created a lot and conceded an unlucky goal, an accident. Then we were good in our recovery,” Inzaghi told DAZN.
“In the second half we were slower at moving the ball, then in the 84th minute we got the goal to give us the lead, but I’m still not satisfied. After the goal, we should have managed the ball better.
“Conceding two goals like that makes it difficult to win matches. Credit to Genoa, but it’s a draw that doesn’t leave us much satisfaction given what we created.
“A team like ours, leading in the 84th minute, shouldn’t concede any more goals, especially in that way.”
Inzaghi also suggested that the playing surfaces at Genoa’s home ground has always caused his team difficulty.
“They were moments, because I saw a team that was focused, mentally. It’s not the easiest of pitches, we’ve always struggled when we play here, but I had good feelings about today.
“Yes, winning is difficult, winning it again even more so. The boys know it, they are mature enough and that’s why I’m disappointed.”
Perhaps a busy summer for a number of Inter’s star players was the cause of their failure to pick up three points on Saturday.
“Playing the first match of the season at the Marassi, knowing the difficulties we had after the EUROs and Copa America, if you take the lead, you have to be better at managing it. Football owes you nothing. Today, we had to give a bit more.”
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