Mazzarri predicted Inter downfall

Walter Mazzarri said Torino “just didn’t play in the first half,” but he did expect Inter to fall away as the game wore on.

The Granata fought back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at San Siro with Andrea Belotti and Soualiho Meite showing great first touches to surprise defenders.

“We actually played better against Roma, even though we lost that game,” insisted the Coach in a Press conference.

Walter Mazzarri said Torino “just didn’t play in the first half,” but he did expect Inter to fall away as the game wore on.

The Granata fought back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at San Siro with Andrea Belotti and Soualiho Meite showing great first touches to surprise defenders.

“We actually played better against Roma, even though we lost that game,” insisted the Coach in a Press conference.

“Today we were timid and intimidated, as Inter pressed us from the first minute. That shouldn’t happen, we need to have a better attitude from the start, more self-belief, more confidence in our own abilities.

“It was almost as if the ball was burning and we tried to get rid of it as quickly as possible. We just didn’t play in the first half, but after the break we shook off the tension and started doing what we wanted to.”

Toro were forced into an early change, as Cristian Ansaldi went off injured, replaced by Chelsea loaner Ola Aina.

“Aina is like a sponge, he absorbs everything and is so intelligent. If he improves physically, he can become a truly important player.”

Inter have only one point after two rounds and Mazzarri knows the kind of pressure that can create here, having been sacked by the Nerazzurri a few years ago.

“I know this place, so regardless of who is the Coach, there will always be a weight on whoever plays at San Siro. I told the lads to go out there and attack them, because I knew Inter couldn’t sustain that tempo and would fall away in the second half.”

Mazzarri returned to Serie A after a season at Watford and is impressed with the growth in Italian football.

“I’ve been in the Premier League and I don’t see much difference. This season, Serie A is far more competitive, as even the smaller sides are getting very important results.”