After the defeat in Coppa Italia quarterfinal against Lazio on a penalty shoot-out at home at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, Inter coach Luciano Spalletti commented on the game to RAI Sport

What do you think about tonight’s performance?

“After a weak start, the game came to life and we were in the middle of the action. We got too much caught up in an attacking frenzy that is not always the best way to deal with Lazio.”

If we talk about the moment when there was a clear contact on Skriniar?

“What does it mean that the ball was dead? If you punch someone in the face, that is not a penalty? And there was also a push on a player waiting for the play to start. Anyway, I am not in position to evaluate these situations, maybe better to comment on the game.”

What was missing today?

“Playing against a team with 5 defenders you cannot attack down one wing, then you will never hurt them. With dribbling and quality you are able to find the spaces needed. I feel that this was a completely balanced game, I do not know what else I could have done.”

What is the situation with Nainggolan and Perisic?

“Both of them still have to recuperate, especially Nainggolan who has had a series of injuries. He will be played and will get some minute moving on. As for Perisic, once the market is closed he must get back to his role and his obligations. That is the life of a professional footballer. Yesterday was another thing, I do not know if it was a good thing to say that the player wanted to leave, but he had an important offer and said he was available. When he realized that was not the case, he came back. But the choice was already made. Having said that, it has created a bit of tension, but now he will come back and as soon as he is back with us mentally, he will play.”

Did you take him out of training for this game?

“At this level the head counts, not the preparations. When you play at this level, that is playing in order to get results, it is all about an emotional impact. Then of course, it is another thing when you have a player that has been out for two months. You have to see what kind of performance you have from week to week, but it happens.”