Pippo Inzaghi feels the fact Salernitana are ‘disappointed by a draw with Milan says it all,’ as his players responded to criticism by ‘fighting for the team.’
Fikayo Tomori had put the Rossoneri in front at the Stadio Arechi, but Federico Fazio’s header and a swerving Antonio Candreva strike turned it around, only for Luka Jovic to snatch a 2-2 draw late on.
“If you are left with regrets after a draw with Milan, that says it all,” Inzaghi told DAZN.
“It’s disappointing for these lads, they were criticised quite rightly, but between Atalanta and Milan, we played on level terms against two of the best teams in Europe with spirit, hunger and deserved the victory.
“We had the chances to close it, that is where we need to improve. The lads looked really disappointed, and if they feel that after drawing with Milan, it means we’ve got the right attitude.”
The pressure was building on SuperPippo after a poor run of results, which saw director Morgan De Sanctis replaced by the returning Walter Sabatini this week.
“I have not been here long, from the first day the team has followed me. We seemed to be out of the negative spell after beating Lazio, but then had two setbacks that brought some old worries to the fore.
“I know some think I am over-doing it with this many strikers, but we have to fight for it and take teams like Milan on. We showed that, as it was not easy to turn the game around with Milan.”
President Danilo Iervolino had publicly blasted his Salernitana squad last week, warning he would sell those who ‘did not want to fight’ for the club, so Inzaghi saw this performance as a response.
“The old guard like Fazio, Candreva, Mazzocchi, Kastanos and Coulibaly really set the example for the youngsters tonight. This is what fighting for the team looks like and they gave their soul for Salernitana.
“I am also glad for the fans and President, who deserve to see a team fight like this. We now have a very important game against Verona. I think we are in good shape, deserved more points from Atalanta and Milan, but will go to Verona with confidence.”
The January transfer window is expected to be busy for Salernitana, especially after bringing back Sabatini, the director who inspired their epic comeback to secure safety in 2022, to replace Morgan De Sanctis.
“I will sit down with the club and discuss the situation. I feel respected by the club and my players showed how much they care about this jersey,” concluded Inzaghi.
“We have not spoken yet, as first we had to get this game out of the way. It’s always sad when people leave, Salernitana have already seen a coach and a director leave, but everyone knows what Sabatini did for Salernitana before and we welcome him with open arms.”