Walter Mazzarri is “proud” of his Inter players following their 1-1 Europa League draw at Saint-Etienne.
Walter Mazzarri is “proud” of his Inter players following their 1-1 Europa League draw at Saint-Etienne.
Despite the Nerazzurri taking the lead against the French outfit through Dodo, they were ultimately denied by Moustapha Bayal-Sall’s equaliser shortly after the restart.
“I’m proud of our match. We played some great football in the first half,” Mazzarri told reporters.
“We could and should’ve closed the game, but because of the injury crisis we suffered a bit in the second half.
“But we were a team. We knew how to suffer, and we brought home this important point which puts us on the brink of qualification.
“It’s a shame about this draw. If we were a little more careful, we would have got the win. But the lads did very well, so I’m happy with the response that they gave today.”
Mazzarri then touched on the performances of youngsters Federico Bonazzoli and Andrea Palazzi, as well as Saturday’s crunch Serie A encounter with Verona.
“You can see Bonazzoli will have a future in the game if he continues to work hard and be professional,” the 53-year-old added.
“He did very well and played his part in our great first half. Today he helped the team and was very good. He really deserves these compliments. Palazzi also had a good game, and I’m happy for him.
“Will the support of the fans be important on Sunday? We want to do well and would like the fans to spur us on because my lads deserve it.”