Inter manager Luciano Spalletti spoke with Sky Sport in the mixed zone at San Siro following Inter’s 2-1 victory over Fiorentina, firstly discussing the spat with Keita Balde at the end of the game.
“I know you like to cause controversy, but I spoke with Politano and Keita at the final whistle about it. As Fiorentina were pressing us, we had all three forwards wide, but I wanted both Politano and Keita to track back more. When Keita came on as a support striker, he helped out a lot, as he kept the ball to feet and took men on, putting us in the opposition half by himself. When he moved out wide, he couldn’t figure out what I wanted and we tried to get the message to him. Communication isn’t easy when you’re on the bench. We can bite each other in the locker room if we have to, but that’s what happens in football.”
He proceeded to discuss the penalty that Inter were granted following a VAR review.
“It’s a penalty. Otherwise I’ll show you the one from Udinese last season or the penalty they didn’t give us against Parma. It’s a wide arm and it deflects the ball, moving it away from Icardi in the six-yard box. It’s a penalty. No doubt about it. I tended to be quiet when these things went against us, but now that they finally give us a penalty, don’t try to take it away from me!”
Spalletti then spoke on Fiorentina and their performance in the match.
“Well done to Fiorentina for a fine performance, but nothing more than that, because Inter won and deserved the victory. They scored with a bit of luck, as it took a big deflection. They play beautiful football and have won back the enthusiasm of the fans in Florence.”
