Stefano Pioli explained the tactical reasons behind Inter’s second half setbacks after beating Fiorentina 4-2. “You couldn’t tell we had an extra man.”
The Nerazzurri again had a storming first half only to risk ruining it after the break, as they were 3-0 up within 19 minutes and 10-man Fiorentina clawed back to 3-2 until a last-gasp Mauro Icardi tap-in.
Stefano Pioli explained the tactical reasons behind Inter’s second half setbacks after beating Fiorentina 4-2. “You couldn’t tell we had an extra man.”
The Nerazzurri again had a storming first half only to risk ruining it after the break, as they were 3-0 up within 19 minutes and 10-man Fiorentina clawed back to 3-2 until a last-gasp Mauro Icardi tap-in.
“We certainly suffered in the second half, as we had so many chances to add a fourth goal, but got stretched out and Fiorentina have a lot of quality,” Pioli told Sky Sport Italia.
“I think suffering can be very beneficial at this moment, because we learn from our struggles and gain confidence from overcoming them.”
There is a recurring theme this season of Inter throwing away leads with sluggish second half performances, as on Thursday they were 2-0 up in the Europa League against Hapoel Be’er-Sheva before losing 3-2.
“I think it’s a combination of factors. The team needs to believe in itself and that only comes with results. As long as we keep solid and compact, we create many chances and risk little at the back.
“As soon as we get stretched out, the defence is uncovered and we tend to concede goals. It’s an issue of organisation, working together on certain concepts and positions.
“Off the ball we were in the right positions in the first half, but in the second when Fiorentina went down to 10 men we kept the same positions even in areas where there wasn’t an opposition player, so you couldn’t tell we had an extra man.
“If we can remain compact for 95 minutes, then we have a side that can achieve great things.
“In the second half we got situations wrong. I removed Geoffrey Kondogbia just because he had already been booked and I had a very technical midfield, but we needed more grit and determination.
“Much like in Israel, we stopped moving off the ball and therefore provided fewer options for the passes. If you always make the same passes, you become predictable and it’s something we need to work on.
“I think there are quite a few different elements involved. We must learn to control the tempo and at times catch our breath while keeping the ball.
“We were fresh off a defeat after going 2-0 up, so naturally after Fiorentina made it 3-2 the players got nervous. I see they are ready to work and we will continue trying to make it as consistent a performance as possible.”
Suning Group Chairman Jindong Zhang was in the stands today and earlier visited the training ground.
“He spoke to me and then the team with great clarity. We have the support of the owners and there is the desire to bring Inter back to being the great club it should be and always has been.”