Simone Inzaghi acknowledges Inter are ‘in a good period of form’ after beating Venezia and shrugs off those who thought this would be ‘a transitional season’ just trying to stay afloat.
The Nerazzurri were remarkably solid, taking the lead after long periods of possession with a Hakan Calhanoglu strike from outside the box.
They held out under pressure after the break, eventually doubling their lead with a Lautaro Martinez penalty in stoppages.
“It’s a good period of form, it was our third game in six days, but we showed great character and played good football,” Inzaghi told Sky Sport Italia.
“The only negative is that we should’ve scored the second goal earlier, because Venezia are one of the surprises of the season and it’s not good to leave it open.
“We are Inter, we should’ve killed the game earlier, but in the circumstances we’re happy.”
After Antonio Conte, Romelu Lukaku and Achraf Hakimi left, many expected Inter to struggle this term, but Inzaghi has already done better than his predecessor, at least in Europe.
“I consider it a compliment. Inter are the champions of Italy, some said this was meant to be a transitional year, one focused on just saving the club, but I came here to find a club that supports me in everything and a squad of extraordinary lads.
“We brought in players suited to the project. We reached the Champions League Round of 16, which was the first objective, and will go to Real Madrid aiming to take first place in the group.”
Inzaghi was asked if he had told the players in pre-season that they had to prove they could win even without Lukaku and Hakimi?
“There was no need for that. I train some great players who are above all some great guys. Eriksen is another who was fantastic in the second half of last season and we are without.
“It’s a growth process, we brought in players who are functional to our idea of football and we keep going.
“Hopefully, Matteo Darmian doesn’t have anything serious, we are a little worried because he felt a pull and asked to come off.”
Good to see Inzaghi away from Lazio, we have much better coach now!
Best transfer in italian fotball for since Ibra/E´too swap is Marotta to Inter.
@Lazio we can never forget what he did for us, Sarri has a different style and one more adaptable I feel. Inzaghi was great for us but only had one way of playing and we didn’t have the depth in the squad to cope if we missed players, there was no plan b at least with Sarri we can switch wingers and the full backs can get on or if needed sit in a little
Basis UCL results, Inzaghi is better than Conte. He brings Inter to be more attacking.
Marotta has done a good move by bringing Inzaghi to Inter.
Inter can consider themselfes winning the jackpot from the point of view of a director/owner and not the least and most important: the fans.
I wish him well, even though he is coaching up North, we all know he is a Laziale 100.
@Droga – 100% agree. This is the key for Inter. Zhang needs to renew his contract now.