Inter coach Simone Inzaghi underlined his team’s ambitions ahead of the second half of the Serie A season and discussed the ‘excellent qualities’ of new signing Tajon Buchanan.
The Nerazzurri did well in the first half of the season, securing 48 points from 15 wins and three draws, putting them two points ahead of second place Juventus. Inzaghi was bitterly close to securing a Scudetto in his first year at Inter but fell short of Napoli last term.
Inter have already carried out a piece of business in the January transfer window, signing Canadian midfielder Buchanan from Club Brugge for €7m plus add-ons. One or two more reinforcements may arrive before the end of the month.
Speaking to Inter TV via Calciomercato.com ahead of the clash with Monza, Inzaghi first discussed Inter’s mindset heading into the second half of the season.
“Clearly, we know that we have had an excellent run up to this point. The team are ambitious, and we know that it won’t be easy, but we want to confirm ourselves with an equally excellent second half.”
He gave his thoughts on the qualities of Raffaele Palladino’s Monza.
“It will be a difficult match against a worthy opponent, who have an excellent coach and players who were important here at Inter and who we will see again with pleasure.
“I’m talking about D’Ambrosio, Gagliardini and Valentin Carboni. We will have to make a very important match because we know that Monza are absolutely a quality opponent.”
The Italian coach reflected on the tactical changes in the recent win over Hellas Verona.
“Against Verona I made a change in the last quarter of an hour, with three attackers on the pitch. I used it as an option at that moment, but one day it could also be a solution.”
Inzaghi discussed Inter’s work defending across the pitch.
“Absolutely, the team works well and works as a group, all together. Above all, we have changed various defensive structures because we have had some injuries, but the principles have not changed, beyond the men, we have defended well in this group.”
Finally, Inzaghi was asked if Federico Dimarco and Buchanan would be in the Inter squad for the Monza clash.
“Yes, they will be there. He’s still missing day’s training, but Federico is much better. He has recovered and made his contribution already at the end against Verona.
“TJ arrived in the best possible way, he is a young player with excellent qualities, he already has a fair amount of experience behind him.
“It will take some time for him to integrate, but this week he has had three very important training sessions.”