Inzaghi: ‘There is still a long road full of pitfalls’

Simone Inzaghi was overjoyed with the way that Inter have ended 2021 following their 1-0 win over Torino.

The Nerazzurri sit top of the Serie A table going into the winter break, being a handful of points above title challengers Milan and Napoli. The team have only lost one match in the league so far this season, losing 3-1 to Lazio back in October.

Speaking to Italian broadcaster DAZN after Inter’s win over Torino, Inzaghi started by analysing the victory, saying ‘we played an important game, we were good at preparing for it, we knew of their fierce pressing, we knew they would scupper our plays but we played a great game, we risked little or nothing.

‘We missed the goal in the first half, we were clearly better in the second half but we’re very happy with the way we’ve finished this year. Now we have to get our physical and mental energy back before we start again.’

He touched on his first six months in charge of Inter and the faith placed in him. ‘There was a lot of hope in me, then after a fortnight I got to know the group and the guys, then I waited for the international break and I had great confidence.

‘It’s normal that nowadays it’s easy for everyone to say that Inter are the favourites, but I remember that in July that wasn’t the case. The guys did well, it must be an incentive for us from here on.’ He said.

The 45-year-old Italian coach noted the quality in his squad as the team look to defend their Scudetto, highlighting that ‘the club has been very good at being ready. We signed very important players who are functional to my game and we took advantage of the work we found and we put our own into it. Then each coach and staff has their own methods beyond the systems.’

Inzaghi was satisfied with the team’s performance despite the difficulty of the match. ‘You said it well, we risked little or nothing. Victories and moments help, we know of the good moment we are going through, the team was good on the pitch.’ He noted.

The former Lazio coach commented on how the perceptions of his Inter have changed over the course of this half-season, saying ‘beyond the winter title and the winning streak, I was confident because the team was always good on the pitch, they tried to understand me and my staff, so there was confidence.

‘There was detachment and it is normal that now we are happy, but we know that there is still a long road full of pitfalls. For now we are taking the good moment but I can say that from the beginning there was confidence. I have some wonderful guys who in a month and a half have managed to close the gap and create a bit of an advantage for themselves.’

He touched on what present he is hoping for this Christmas. ‘The present under the tree is the one I’m going to give myself, to be with my family because unfortunately we are privileged but many times we neglect our affections, which are the most important thing we have.’ He said.

Finally, Inzaghi discussed who the team will be looking at ahead of the first two months of 2022, when Inter will play a variety of key games. ‘I think we have to look at us and our path. A testament to our season is the game tonight, Torino came here to create pitfalls for us by playing a courageous game. Every game is very tricky beyond the direct clashes.’ He concluded.

Inter, #Inzaghi: "Facile dire adesso che siamo una corazzata, ma a luglio non era così. #SportMediaset https://t.co/OUZRpW5Iek pic.twitter.com/y7gK9qQXM8

— SportMediaset.it (@sportmediaset) December 22, 2021