Inter coach Simone Inzaghi reveals he congratulated Inter players after a 1-1 draw against Napoli and confirms he replaced Benjamin Pavard during the break because he feared the Frenchman would get a second yellow card: ‘The Georgian was playing on that side.’
Inzaghi spoke at a post-match press conference attended by Football Italia on Sunday night, after a 1-1 draw against Napoli at San Siro.
“I congratulated the lads because they were great. They had played 120 minutes [on Wednesday] and it didn’t seem so. We faced the defending champions and we conceded little. We wanted to win the 11th game in a row, but we didn’t do it. This is football. We tried to learn from Wednesday and we’ll do the same when our 16 players return from international duty.”
Pavard was subbed off during the break, while Thuram failed to impress.
“We are so happy with both French players,” said Inzaghi.
“Pavard is doing really well, but he had taken a yellow card; he had played 120 minutes against Atletico, and the Georgian [Khvicha Kvaratskhelia] was on that side. I feared he could get another yellow card. Thyram played a great game; he came close to scoring a couple of times, we are really happy, and he must continue like this.”
Do Inter hope to win the Serie A title against Milan on April 21?
“Not at all, we are not doing any calculation. We try to remain focused and fix the errors we make. We must remain focused because all games hide traps.”
Inter have a 14-point lead over second-placed Milan and are unbeaten in Serie A in 2024 with 10 wins and one draw.
The next game after the break is against Empoli at the Stadio Meazza on April 1. The Nerazzurri have won 19 Serie A titles in history, so the next Scudetto will grant them a second star on their chests.