Inter coach Simone Inzaghi believes tomorrow’s derby won’t be decisive for the title race, which now also includes Juventus and reveals the potential penalty takers for the match against Milan.
The Nerazzurri are enjoying a four-point lead over the Rossoneri ahead of tomorrow’s derby. Inzaghi’s side also have a game in hand, but Inzaghi thinks tomorrow’s match won’t be decisive.
“It will be a very intense period, but also very exciting. We will face many teams and tomorrow’s derby will be important. We are focused and aware of our strengths,” the coach said at a press conference.
“I played many derbies as a footballer, there is never a favourite team. Episodes and motivations will make the difference.”
Is it a decisive match for the Serie A title and who are Inter’s most dangerous opponents for the Scudetto?
“I don’t think it’s decisive because there are many games remaining,” said Inzaghi.
“We saw what happened in the first leg clash, we were seven points behind Milan, but we picked up a draw and then we’ve filled the gap. It’s a very important match, we know what it means for our fans.
“We knew what we’ve done so far. There were many uncertainties at the beginning of the season, but we’ve worked well and we can’t lower our guard, being even more responsible until the end of the season.
“I know Stefano Pioli well. Milan are well organised and have put in excellent performances since the match against Empoli.
“The title race is still open, the table is telling the truth,” Inzaghi continued.
“Aside from Milan and Napoli, Atalanta and Juventus are also very strong. Juventus were my favourite in the summer, and have improved over the last two months and had an important January transfer campaign.”
Inter signed Robin Gosens and Felipe Caicedo in January. How does the coach rate the club’s activity in the winter transfer window?
“We have great directors and a president who is always present, now also physically,” said Inzaghi.
“One new signing [Gosens] is currently out, but we all know him, he is a great signing. I trained Caicedo for many years and we made the most of this opportunity after Stefano Sensi left.
“We were ready and I am happy about what we did in January.”
Hakan Calhanoglu converted a spot-kick against Milan in November, while Lautaro missed a second one. Who will step up tomorrow if the Nerazzurri will be given a penalty kick?
“You know the list of our penalty kick takers. Lautaro is the first one, then Calhanoglu, Perisic, and Sanchez, but many footballers can take it. We’ll see…”
Lautaro Martinez, Matias Vecino and Alexis Sanchez returned from international duty only a few days ago, how do they fee ahead of the derby?
“We have one more training session today. I saw Lautaro well yesterday and Sanchez ensured me that he feels well. Only Gosens and Correa are out of action. The first one is finalising his recovery. The second one is in a hurry and knows to be very important for us.”