Walter Mazzarri said Inter’s performance away to Fiorentina was “closer to my idea” of football.
Walter Mazzarri said Inter’s performance away to Fiorentina was “closer to my idea” of football.
This is the first time since November that the Nerazzurri have put together two consecutive Serie A victories and the 2-1 result in Florence ended a run of five consecutive away defeats.
“Tonight we did well, but we also risked throwing away two points, as we waste too many chances. Against a quality side like Fiorentina, they can score at any moment and nearly did at the death,” Mazzarri told Sky Sport Italia.
“We’ve got to improve in certain respects, as we are too naive and at times were lazy, giving away corners that could’ve cost us the game.
“Near the end we almost conceded on the counter from our own free kick. It’s absurd and we’ve got to grow up.
“As for the rest, I was really impressed with the first half and if we’d made more of our chances then it could’ve been a bigger result with less suffering. How many scoring opportunities do you need in Florence to win by a slender margin?
“Considering where we were playing and who we were taking on, it was a great performance.”
Rodrigo Palacio and the returning Mauro Icardi found the net, which in La Trenza’s case was his first goal in almost 10 hours of football.
“When we are in good shape and play the kind of football I like, with the wingers attacking, it is closer to my idea of Inter.
“We all knew the qualities Icardi has. He needs to train hard and get in shape, as by the end he was barely able to run anymore.”
Fredy Guarin has apparently shaken off the disappointment of his failed January move to Juventus.
“He slightly forgot at the start of the second half to defend and got irritable. I have always told him he just needs to find consistency and concentration for 95 minutes. If he can do that, then there are few players as good.”
Mazzarri has often been critical of officials this season, as Inter have not received a single penalty, but tonight Icardi’s winner was offside.
“For five or six weeks I have refused to comment on referees, whether it’s good or bad.”
Hernanes was the big January addition to the Nerazzurri and the Coach explained what he brings to the team.
“He can stand certain levels of pressure, whereas many of our players are not accustomed to fighting for the top. We lacked someone who could have the calm to play an important corner well or pick the right pass.
“As soon as we had a bit of a mini-crisis this season, we started wasting numerous chances and pinning teams like Chievo back without being able to win. Against Sassuolo, Hernanes put the ball in the right spot and Walter Samuel nodded in.
“I think that experience, calm, confidence and class was what we were missing. It will also have an effect on those around him.”