Ivan Perisic said Inter ‘always believed’ in the Coppa Italia in their 4-2 win over Juventus and can still take the Scudetto, but aimed a vicious sideswipe at the club over his contract. ‘You don’t wait to the last minute.’
The Nerazzurri had taken an early lead with Nicolò Barella’s scorcher, but Juve turned it around through Alex Sandro and Dusan Vlahovic in 120 seconds.
A contentious Hakan Calhanoglu penalty forced extra time, which is when Perisic took control with two goals in two minutes, converting a spot-kick for the Matthijs de Ligt foul on Stefan de Vrij and firing in a screamer for 4-2.
Coppa Italia Final | Juventus 2-4 Inter aet: Thrilling Nerazzurri triumph
This is Inter’s eighth Coppa Italia trophy, the first since 2010-11, after also beating Juve during extra time in the Supercoppa Italiana.
“I always believed, when we were 1-0 up or 2-1 down, I tried to lift everyone’s heads, as we lost our heads for 10-15 minutes, but we reacted well and I think the victory was deserved,” Perisic told Sport Mediaset.
“I always feel like a leader, but when the team works like this, it’s easier to be a leader. We just need to keep going, there are two final games left, anything is possible in football and we must keep believing.”
Do you still believe Inter can take the Scudetto off Milan?
“Always.”
However, the interview ended on a sour note when Perisic was asked about his contract situation, which expires on June 30, and CEO Beppe Marotta saying there was a good chance of extending their deal.
“I don’t know anything yet. With important players, you don’t wait to the last minute. You ought to know that too.”